Why should a person who disbelieves after becoming Muslim be executed?
The execution of a person who disbelieves after embracing Islam is a topic addressed in Islamic texts. According to a narration in Al-Kafi, it is stated: Concerning a man who renounced Islam: he should be given time to repent, and if he repents, well and good; otherwise he is to be killed.
Al-Kafi 3:380. This indicates that there is an expectation for the individual to have an opportunity to repent before facing the severe consequence of execution.
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized in various hadiths the gravity of apostasy. In Sunan an-Nasa'i, it is reported that he said: The blood of a Muslim man is not lawful except in three cases: a married person committing adultery who should be stoned, a person who kills deliberately who is executed, or one who leaves Islam and fights against Allah and His Messenger who is killed, crucified, or exiled from the land.
Sunan an-Nasa'i 37:83. This highlights the seriousness of leaving Islam, especially if one actively opposes the faith.
These teachings underscore a general principle in Islamic law regarding the sanctity of a Muslim's life and the specific conditions under which it may be forfeited, particularly in cases of apostasy combined with rebellion against the community.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 3:380
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 380
It is reported that prayer is not performed over the head if it is separated from the body. — OR — I said to Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him): Does a man perform the pilgrimage on behalf of a Nasib (one who opposes us)? He said: No. I asked: What if it is your father? He said: If it is your father, then yes. — OR — Zurarah said: He was asked about firm conditions in the marriage contract requiring the husband to visit his wife whenever he wishes, every month, every Friday, and to provide certain specified maintenance. He said: Those are not valid conditions. Whoever marries a woman is obligated to provide what a woman is entitled to for maintenance and inheritance. But if the wife fears disobedience from him or fears that he may marry another wife or divorce her, and she reconciles with him by relinquishing part of her right to maintenance or inheritance, that is permissible and there is no harm in it. — OR — Concerning a man who renounced Islam: he should be given time to repent, and if he repents, well and good; otherwise he is to be killed.
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 37:83
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 37, Hadith 83 · Narrated by Aisha
The Messenger of Allah said: The blood of a Muslim man is not lawful except in one of three cases: a married person committing adultery who should be stoned, a person who kills deliberately who is executed, or one who leaves Islam and fights against Allah and His Messenger who is killed, crucified, or exiled from the land.
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