Punishment of Apostacy in Islam — Page 25
25 has been freed from his obligation. Thereafter he is not to be blamed in any way. Anything beyond it, that is to say, the chastisement of people who fail to discharge their responsibilities after this warning and these glad tidings, and offer opposition and repudiate Islam, belongs to God Almighty. This is not the function of the Messenger. Having expounded everything clearly he has fulfilled the purpose for which he was sent. It is not his business to compel anyone to believe and to work righteousness, and to keep anyone within the circle of the faith and to forbid him repudiating Islam. Ibn Jarir has commented on this verse: Understand well that the responsibility of the one whom We have sent to you as a Messenger for the purpose of warning you, is confined to conveying to you the teaching that is revealed to him. That teaching expounds to you the way of truth and righteousness, the way that you are commanded to follow. That is the way by following which you will find God. By pointing out that way the Messenger has discharged his responsibility. The Holy Quran is revealed to him. He has conveyed it to you clearly. He has shown you great signs in support of his truth which extend unto the Day of Judgment. He has clearly indicated to you the straight path which you have been commanded to follow. So far as the chastisement for turning away and departing from Islam and sinfulness is concerned it rests with Him Who sent the Messenger, and not with the Messenger. This is a severe admonition for him who turns away from His commandments and disregards His prohibitions. Then it is said: Remember that Allah is Severe in punishment