Re: Egyptian grand mufti says Muslims can convert to other religions
Whats worse - killing or apostacy?
Whats the penalty for killing?
Ok then.
There is ijma' that the apostate is put to death as cited by Hafiz Ibn Hajar 'Asqalani in his Fath al Bari - a consensus that was reached during the time of the Companions themselves which makes it of the highest form.
This is consensus is also mentioned in al Jawhara's Nawadir al Ijma' and by Ibn Qattan in his book on Ijma'.
To go against the Ijma of Sahabas is in the least haram and can lead to kufar at time. This is not a game but a serious issue. Personal opinions of any scholar doesnt hold any water against the Ijma of Sahabas (which is a qatee proof in Sharia) let alone view of Gup-Shupers (which is a qatee proof in Sharia).
The Fuqaha (Jurists)
All the 4 Mazhabs are unanimous that a renegade must be executed if he does not revert to Islam. Hereunder are classical texts from each of the 4 Mazhabs:
Al-Hanafiyyah
Imam al-Marghinaaniy says: "If a Muslim, may Allah forbid turns away from Islam, the religion of Islam should be presented to him. If he has any doubts they should be cleared…and he should be kept under supervision for 3 days. If he reverts to Islam, he must be set free, otherwise he should be executed. (Al-Hidaya)
Allamah Ibn ‘Aabideen says: "Note well! It is unanimous that a renegade from Islam must be executed" (Rasaa’il Ibn Aabideen)
Al-Maalikiyyah
Imam Maalik says: "The one who renegades from Islam to another religion and exposes it will be asked to repent from his action. If he does not repent, he must be executed." (Al-Mu’atta lil Imam Maalik)
Al-shaafi’iyyah
Imam al-Shaafi’iy says: "One who renegades from Islam will not be left alone, either he reverts to Islam or he will be executed." (Kitab al-Umm)
Al-Hanaabilah
Allamah Ibn Qudaama al-Hanbaliy says: "All the scholars are unanimous that a renegade must be executed." (Al-Mughniy with Sharh al-Kabir Vol.10 Pg.74 Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah Beirut)
From the above it is explicitly clear that there is no leeway in the religion of Islam regarding executing a renegade from Islam.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai