Does the disbeliever who has committed apostasy fall under the same rulings of Islamic legislation regarding transactions, or must he first be returned to Islam so that his being is subject to Islam?
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The questioner : His final question asks whether the disbeliever falls under the same rulings of Islamic legislation regarding transactions, and I mean the apostate in the same state I mentioned previously, or whether he must first be returned to the straight path so that his being is subject to its noble legislation?
The Shaykh : The apostate is not like the original disbeliever, nor is he treated as the original disbeliever is treated.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Rather, he is more severe than the original disbeliever, due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Therefore, the apostate, in any type of apostasy, is not treated as the original disbeliever is treated. Rather, he is compelled to return to Islam. If he embraces Islam, that is well. If he does not embrace Islam, he is killed. He is killed for disbelief, and he is not buried with the Muslims, nor is the funeral prayer performed for him.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : And based on this, we say that this apostate cannot live; rather, he either lives as a Muslim or he is killed. Yes.
The Shaykh : The apostate is not like the original disbeliever, nor is he treated as the original disbeliever is treated.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Rather, he is more severe than the original disbeliever, due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
Whoever changes his religion, kill him
من بدّل دينه فاقتلونThe questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : And based on this, we say that this apostate cannot live; rather, he either lives as a Muslim or he is killed. Yes.