Re: Your Favorite Writer on Religion?
I did some research on apostasy. Came across a reference that a man had told Rasool SAWS several times that he was leaving Islam. I don’t know why he felt the need to inform of this decision many times, maybe to test his reaction. In my opinion if the Prophet SAWS was ruthless and had used compulsion to preach, I think one would be very afraid to even admit to him that they were apostatizing. No action was taken against him. I have come across more examples of his tolerance and mercy. So, for me, these positive examples carry more weight. Even among the apostates, there are degrees, Bella. There are apostates who believe in “live and let live” and there are those that pose as a serious danger to the well being and security of the believers. My understanding is that the ruling applies to those who are a serious danger, as in guilty of treason, etc. My understanding is that the ruling is not so lax that it applies so easily to anyone and everyone who leaves Islam. Allah knows best. You already know that scholars will differ in their opinions. I would humbly suggest that you do research on what the vast majority of scholars have to say, you can look into the rulings of the 4 madhabs, and you can study the life or seerah of the prophet SAWS. After all this research, look within your heart to decide if Islam is an overall tolerant faith or otherwise. I know that it’s extensive research, but I only suggest it because this is an issue that you are clearly and very deeply disturbed by it. In no way does this mean that I or other Muslims don’t care about the news story you posted, rather I feel that many of us, despite condemning the injustice, believe that it’s not part of Islam and we have faith in that.
oh no, not the apostasy thread all over again.