Apostasy (Riddah/Irtidad) قراءة في محنة الردّة
Definition and Meaning
Apostasy (Arabic: ردة, Irtidād - ارتداد) refers to the act of renouncing one’s religion. In Islam, this is a significant and controversial matter as it is perceived not just as a betrayal of personal faith but also as an affront to the Muslim community and divine decree.
Etymology
The Arabic terms “riddah” (ردة) and “irtidad” (ارتداد) are derived from the root verb “radd” (رَدَّ), which means to turn back or revert.
Background & Historical Development
While the Qur’an does not explicitly use the terms “riddah” or “irtidad,” it addresses those who “turn from” or “renounce” their faith with severe consequences in the afterlife:
- “Those who disbelieve after having believed” (Quran 3:81; 5:61; 4:137; 16:106).
- “Whoever reverts from his religion” (Quran 2:217; 5:54).
The Hadith literature, supported by early Islamic jurists, established the idea that apostasy could be punishable by death. Different Islamic traditions and schools of thought vary on the tolerance for repentance in apostasy and the specific penalties to be exacted.
Legal & Jurisprudential Perspectives
- Hadith Context:
- The Prophet Muhammad is reported saying, “Whoever changes his religion, kill him” (Sahih al-Bukhari 9:84:57). This hadith has been widely referenced in traditional Islamic legal texts.
- Islamic Legal Schools:
- Hanafi: Allows imprisonment for female apostates, death penalty for males.
- Maliki and Hanbali: Strict stances on death penalty without gender differentiation.
- Shafi’i: Advocates for sanctions but allows for a repentance period.
Cultural Differences and Modern Interpretations
Modern Islamic thinkers often invoke the Quranic verse that prohibits compulsion in religion (Quran 2:257). There is a growing movement among contemporary scholars to reinterpret apostasy laws in alignment with human rights and personal freedom principles. This lenience is particularly notable in legal systems influenced by Western jurisprudence.
Synonyms & Antonyms
- Synonyms: Renunciation, Defection, Abandonment, Heresy.
- Antonyms: Conviction, Adherence, Loyalty, Faithfulness.
Related Terms
- Kufr (كفر): Denial of the truth or disbelief itself.
- Murtadd (مرتد): An apostate, the one who has renounced Islam.
- Imaan (إيمان): Faith or belief in Islam.
Exciting Facts
- Historical Enforcements: During the early caliphal periods, a series of apostasy wars (Riddah Wars) took place, which saw campaigns against tribes that renounced Islam following Prophet Muhammad’s death.
- Contemporary Legislation: In modern times, few Muslim-majority countries enforce the death penalty for apostasy. Countries like Malaysia and Jordan mandate fines or imprisonment instead.
Quotations
- Abu al-Walid al-Baji: “Apostasy in the Law of Islam is the turning away from that which was obligatory to an act of rebellion.”
- Reza Aslan: “Religion is an ever-changing concept, not immune from the common progression of ideas and human rights.”
Further Reading & Literature
- “Islamic Law and Society” by Wael B. Hallaq.
- “The Decline of Sectarianism and the Future of Islam” by Bernard Lewis.
- “Apostasy and Freedom in Islam” by Abdullah Saeed.
Translations of “Apostasy”
- Arabic: ارتداد (Irtidad)
- Turkish: Dinden Dönme
- Urdu: ارتداد (Irtidad)
- Bengali: مرتد (Murtadd)
- Indonesian: Murtad
- Persian: ارتداد (Irtedad)
Farewell Message:
As the pen eternalizes thoughts, so too can the heart perpetuate faith. Understanding our past nuances allows us to navigate our present with more wisdom. – Amina Al-Fahad, October 2023
