Punishment of Apostacy in Islam — Page 39
39 coined the cliche that the door of Islam opens only inwards and does not open outwards, and that, therefore, whoever attempts to emerge from Islam forfeits his life. It is a stupid utterance which has neither rhyme nor reason to support it. Compulsion: Sign of Falsehood The Holy Quran has set out several instances which show that the exercise of compulsion or force in the matter of religion is the practice of those who are committed to falsehood. For instance, the opponents of Noah said to him: If you do not desist you shall certainly be stoned to death (26:117). Abraham’s father said to him: Is it that thou art turning away from my gods, Abraham? If thou desist not, I shall surely cause thee to be stoned to death (19:47). Moses and Aaron were commanded: Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed grievously; but speak gently to him, perchance he may take heed or be humble (20:44-45). In contrast, the treatment accorded to Moses by Pharaoh and his people was: When he came to them with Truth from Us, they said: Slay the male children of those who have believed with him and spare their female children…Pharaoh announced: Hinder me not in putting Moses to death; and let him call on his Lord to save him. I fear lest he should change your religion or cause disturbance in the land (40:26-27). When the magicians whom Pharoah had summoned to contend against Moses were frustrated and they realized that Moses was righteous and declared their belief in him, Pharoah was