Who Says There Is No Punishment for Apostasy

Question:
Some people who claim to belong to the da'wah say: "In my view, there is no apostasy; rather, it is a political punishment." How do you address such a statement?

Answer:
Answer: There is no apostasy, or rather, there is no limit to apostasy; they do not say that there is a limit to apostasy, meaning it has no limit. No one sets a limit for apostasy, and no one is killed for it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever changes his religion, kill him." He also said: "The blood of a Muslim is not lawful except in one of three cases: a life for a life, the married adulterer, and the one who leaves his religion and separates from the community." They say that people are free and that there is freedom of opinion. They understand the verse "There is no compulsion in religion" in a way other than what is intended. "There is no compulsion in religion" means regarding entering the religion. We do not compel anyone to enter the religion, for guidance is in the hand of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). But if one enters the religion and acknowledges that it is the truth, holds onto it, and then leaves it afterwards, he is corrupt. He corrupts others, so he must be killed and eradicated, because he has become corrupt. He acknowledged that the religion is the truth and entered it, then afterwards he apostatizes. This is corruption, and this affects others. This is a violation of the religion, so he must be killed.