What does apostasy mean Islam?
Emma Johnson
Updated on February 26, 2026
Riddah or apostasy is defined as “turning away from Islam” (al-rudjuʿ ʿan din al-islam) or “severing the ties with Islam” (qatʿ al-islam). By the murtadd or apostate is understood the Moslem by birth or by conversion, who renounces his religion, irrespective of whether or not he subsequently embraces another faith.
What is the punishment for apostasy in Sharia?
death penalty
Prevailing Hanafi jurisprudence, per consensus of its school of Islamic scholars, prescribes death penalty for the crime of apostasy. The apostate can avoid prosecution and/or punishment if he or she confesses of having made a mistake of apostasy and rejoins Islam.
What is an act of apostasy?
Apostasy (/əˈpɒstəsi/; Greek: ἀποστασία apostasía, “a defection or revolt”) is the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion that is contrary to one’s previous religious beliefs.
How do you know if you are an apostate?
According to Hebrews 3:12, apostasy consists in an unbelieving and self-willed movement away from God (in contrast to Hebrews 3:14), which must be prevented at all costs.
What is the difference between heresy and apostasy?
Heresy, then, was a departure from the unity of the faith, while believing to subscribe to the Christian faith. Heresy, denial or doubt of any defined doctrine, is sharply distinguished from apostasy, which denotes deliberate abandonment of the Christian faith itself.
What does it mean to become apostate?
Definition of apostasy 1 : an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith. 2 : abandonment of a previous loyalty : defection.
Where is apostasy a crime?
The 13 countries which maintain the death penalty for blasphemy or apostasy are Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Is apostasy a crime in Pakistan?
Although atheism is not technically illegal in Pakistan, apostasy is deemed to be punishable by death in some interpretations of Islam. As a result, speaking publicly can be life-threatening. Many Pakistani atheists meet at secret, invitation-only gatherings.