"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Whoever changes his religion, kill him.'"
Hadith Text & Context
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Whoone changes his religion, kill him.'" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 4059)
This narration appears in The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed] of Sunan an-Nasa'i, addressing apostasy from Islam.
Classical Scholarly Interpretation
This hadith establishes the ruling for apostasy (riddah) in Islamic law. Classical scholars unanimously agree it refers to a Muslim who voluntarily renounces Islam after embracing it with full conviction.
The punishment applies only to competent adults (baligh, 'aqil) who consciously abandon Islam for another religion or atheism, not those coerced or mentally incapable.
Legal Conditions & Safeguards
Scholars stipulated numerous conditions: the apostate must be given time for repentance and reflection, typically three days according to most schools.
The ruling applies only in an Islamic state with proper judicial proceedings - not individual vigilantism. Judges must investigate motives and ensure no coercion existed.
Historical Context & Wisdom
This ruling protected the Muslim community during early Islam when political and religious identity were intertwined. Apostasy often involved joining enemy forces against Muslims.
The wisdom behind this ruling includes protecting religious sanctity, maintaining social cohesion, and preventing betrayal of the Muslim community during warfare.
Exceptions & Contemporary Application
Classical scholars exempted those who apostatize due to ignorance, misinterpretation, or doubt - they receive education rather than punishment.
Modern scholars emphasize that implementing this ruling requires the ideal conditions of a complete Islamic state, which many argue do not exist today.