Download or read book Freedom of Religion Apostasy and Islam written by Abdullah Saeed and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-03-02 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Debate on freedom of religion as a human right takes place not only in the Western world but also in Muslim communities throughout the world. For Muslims concerned for this freedom, one of the major difficulties is the 'punishment for apostasy' - death for those who desert Islam. This book argues that the law of apostasy and its punishment by death in Islamic law is untenable in the modern period. Apostasy conflicts with a variety of foundation texts of Islam and with the current ethos of human rights, in particular the freedom to choose one's religion. Demonstrating the early development of the law of apostasy as largely a religio-political tool, the authors show the diversity of opinion among early Muslims on the punishment, highlighting the substantial ambiguities about what constitutes apostasy, the problematic nature of some of the key textual evidence on which the punishment of apostasy is based, and the neglect of a vast amount of clear Qur'anic texts in favour of freedom of religion in the construction of the law of apostasy. Examining the significant challenges the punishment of apostasy faces in the modern period inside and outside Muslim communities - exploring in particular how apostasy and its punishment is dealt with in a multi-religious Muslim majority country, Malaysia, and the challenges and difficulties it faces there - the authors discuss arguments by prominent Muslims today for an absolute freedom of religion and for discarding the punishment of apostasy.
Download or read book Apostates Islam Freedom of Faith written by Abdulahmid AbuSulayman and published by IIIT. This book was released on 2013 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this new and important analysis of apostasy (al-Riddah), the author examines fundamental teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, as well as historical as opposed to scriptural postulates, to uncover the origins of the debate and refute misconception. Mainstream media and critics of Islam delight in pointing to the death penalty as evidence of Islam’s draconian tenets, moral flaws and flagrant disregard for human rights. This demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the correct Islamic position, what apostasy signifies in Islam, ignorance of Islamic principles of justice, as well as failure to comprehend the manipulation of religion for political purposes.
Download or read book Leaving Islam written by Ibn Warraq and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2009-12-02 with total page 471 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A renowned scholar of Islamic studies interviews ex-Muslims, who feel it is their duty to speak up against their former faith to tell the truth about the fastest growing religion in the world.
Download or read book The Apostates written by Simon Cottee and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2015 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A candid appraisal of the challenges and consequences of leaving Islam
Download or read book Let there be no Compulsion in Religion Sura 2 256 written by Christine Schirrmacher and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2016-02-04 with total page 620 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Christine Schirrmacher's postdoctoral thesis, for the first time one finds reviews of original voices coming from Islamic theology on the topic of religious freedom and apostasy. Arabic, English, French, and Urdu texts have been translated and analyzed and thus made accessible. There are basically three positions which are defended on falling away from the Islamic faith: Complete advocacy of religious freedom, the complete denial of religious freedom with a call for the immediate application of the death penalty for apostates, and the centrist position. The centrist position, however, which allows inner freedom of thought and warns against premature persecution, calls for the death penalty in the case of open apostasy (e.g., in the case of conversion to another faith). Within established Islamic theology, the latter approach is nowadays the most frequent point of view found. These three main positions on apostasy are introduced in this postdoctoral thesis by means of the publications of three influential 20th century theologians: Yusuf al-Qaradawi (b. 1926), Abdullah Saeed (b. 1960), and Abu l-A'la Maududi (1903-1979). They all have followings of many millions of people and have political influence at their disposal. The study explains why in many Muslim majority countries there is still today only very limited or sometimes no freedom of religion (in the sense of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948) for converts, critical intellectuals, artists and progressive Quranic studies specialists, journalists and secularists, agnostics and confessing atheists, enlightened thinkers, women's rights and human rights activists as well as adherents of non-recognized minorities.
Download or read book Apostasy in Islam written by Taha Jabir Alalwani and published by International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). This book was released on 2011 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is an established fact that the Prophet never, in his entire life, put an apostate to death. Yet, the issue remains one of the most controversial to have afflicted the Muslim world down the centuries. It is also the source of much damaging media coverage today as Islamic jurisprudence stands accused of a flagrant disregard for human rights and freedom of expression. The subject of this book is a highly sensitive and important one. The author rightly concentrates on evidence, to examine the historical origins of the debate in rigorous detail, as well as the many moral and contextual issues surrounding it. Disputing arguments put forward by proponents of the death penalty he contends that both the Qur’an and the Sunnah promote freedom of belief including the act of exiting the Faith and do not support capital punishment for the sin of al-riddah. Note that attention is on the word sin, for there is qualification: as long as one’s apostasy has not been accompanied by anything else that would be deemed a criminal act, particularly in terms of national security, then according to the author, it remains a matter strictly between God and the individual. Of interest is the fact that the Qur’an significantly refers to individuals repeatedly returning to unbelief after having believed, but does not mention that they should be killed or punished. This work has been written at a time of great complexity and vulnerability when a true understanding of the higher intents and values of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, maqasid al-shariah, is sorely needed. The author employs a strong evidence-based approach examining in detail the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, taking into consideration traditional approaches to the study of the Islamic textual sciences and other fields of knowledge, as well as analyzing scholastic interpretation. Taking the life of a person without just cause is according to the Qur’an equivalent to the killing of the whole of mankind. It is vital therefore, that in the interests of compassion and justice, as well as freedom of belief, this subject is clearly addressed once and for all.
Download or read book The Truth about the Alleged Punishment for Apostasy in Islam written by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad and published by Islam International Publications Ltd. This book was released on 2005-01-12 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the earliest days till now Islam and the world of Islam have not been harmed so severely by any external enemy as by some simple-minded Muslim ulema themselves. In fact, the enemies of Islam have utilized the unwise religious edicts of these naive ulema as a basis to attack Islam. The wrong trend among the ulema took place when, under the influence of changing sociopolitical environment, they preferred to adopt some politically coloured Islamic interpretations and ignored the clear teachings of the Qur’an and the noble precedence set by the Holy Prophet(sa). Killing of apostates is one of such erroneous trends and baseless convictions. In fact, this menacing tenet is based neither on the Qur’an nor on the practice of the Prophet of Islam. This dangerous and untenable belief produced very grave consequences. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(rh), the fourth successor of the Promised Messiah(as) in a lecture delivered at Jalsa Salana (the Annual Gathering) UK on 27th July, 1986 analysed in depth all aspects of this heinous tenet. He showed it to be an utterly false and unfounded belief and smashed once for all the so-called arguments of the ulema in support of this claim. He has proved it to be a false belief. His arguments are based on the Holy Qur’an, the Sunnah and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet(sa) and the historical events that took place in the eras of the Righteous Caliphs(ra). Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(rh) deals with the subject extensively and it is earnestly hoped that the address will help unbiased researchers to fully understand the true teachings of Islam on the subject. It is also hoped that it will go a long way to creating a new spirit in which Islamic teachings are appreciated in their real essence and true nature and prejudice against Islam is eradicated.
Download or read book Apostates Islam Freedom of Faith written by and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Books In Brief Apostasy in Islam written by Taha Jabir Al-Alwani and published by International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). This book was released on 2012-01-01 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the legally prescribed penalty, if any, for apostasy (al-riddah), and how does this relate to the demand for religious tolerance as stipulated in verse 2:256 of the Qur’an “There shall be no compulsion in matters of faith”? It is an established fact that the Prophet never, in his entire life, put an apostate to death. Yet, the issue remains one of the most controversial to have afflicted the Muslim world down the centuries. It is also the source of much damaging media coverage today as Islamic jurisprudence stands accused of a flagrant disregard for human rights and freedom of expression. The subject of this book is a highly sensitive and important one. The author rightly concentrates on evidence, to examine the historical origins of the debate in rigorous detail, as well as the many moral and contextual issues surrounding it. Disputing arguments put forward by proponents of the death penalty he contends that both the Qur’an and the Sunnah promote freedom of belief including the act of exiting the Faith and do not support capital punishment for the sin of al-riddah. Note that attention is on the word sin, for there is qualification: as long as one’s apostasy has not been accompanied by anything else that would be deemed a criminal act, particularly in terms of national security, then according to the author, it remains a matter strictly between God and the individual. Of interest is the fact that the Qur’an significantly refers to individuals repeatedly returning to unbelief after having believed, but does not mention that they should be killed or punished. This work has been written at a time of great complexity and vulnerability when a true understanding of the higher intents and values of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, maqasid al-shariah, is sorely needed. The author employs a strong evidence-based approach examining in detail the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, taking into consideration traditional approaches to the study of the Islamic textual sciences and other fields of knowledge, as well as analyzing scholastic interpretation. Taking the life of a person without just cause is according to the Qur’an equivalent to the killing of the whole of mankind. It is vital therefore, that in the interests of compassion and justice, as well as freedom of belief, this subject is clearly addressed once and for all.
Download or read book Freedom of Expression in Islam written by Muhammad Khalid Masud and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-01-28 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Muslim countries, apostasy and blasphemy laws are defended on the grounds that they are based on Islamic Shari'a and intended to protect religion. But blasphemy and apostasy laws can be used both to suppress thought and debate and to harass religious minorities, both inside and outside Islam. This book – comprising contributions from Muslim scholars, experts and activists - critically and constructively engages with the theological, historical and legal reasoning behind the most restrictive state laws around the world to open up new ways of thinking. The book focuses on the struggle within Muslim societies in Iran, Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia where blasphemy and apostasy laws serve powerful groups to silence dissent and stifle critical thought. The first part of the book covers the development of the law in shifting historical circumstances and surveys the interpretations of Qur'anic verses that seem to affirm freedom of religion. The second part examines the present politics and practices of prosecuting alleged blasphemers and/or apostates in Muslim countries. The third part looks to the future and where reforms of the law could be possible. Debates on Islam and freedom of expression are often cast in polarizing terms of rights versus religion, East versus West. This volume avoids such approaches by bringing together a diverse group of Muslim scholars and activists with the knowledge, commitment and courage to contest repressive interpretations of religion and provide a resource for reclaiming the human rights to freedom of expression and belief.
Download or read book Russian Apostates Islam Freedom of Faith Change of Conviction VS Change of Allegiance Occasional Paper written by Abdulhamid AbuSulayman and published by International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). This book was released on 2018-01-01 with total page 78 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this new and important analysis of apostasy (al-Riddah), the author examines fundamental teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, as well as historical as opposed to scriptural postulates, to uncover the origins of the debate and refute misconception. Mainstream media and critics of Islam delight in pointing to the death penalty as evidence of Islam’s draconian tenets, moral flaws and flagrant disregard for human rights. This demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the correct Islamic position, what apostasy signifies in Islam, ignorance of Islamic principles of justice, as well as failure to comprehend the manipulation of religion for political purposes.
Download or read book Reopening Muslim Minds written by Mustafa Akyol and published by St. Martin's Essentials. This book was released on 2021-04-06 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fascinating journey into Islam's diverse history of ideas, making an argument for an "Islamic Enlightenment" today In Reopening Muslim Minds, Mustafa Akyol, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and opinion writer for The New York Times, both diagnoses “the crisis of Islam” in the modern world, and offers a way forward. Diving deeply into Islamic theology, and also sharing lessons from his own life story, he reveals how Muslims lost the universalism that made them a great civilization in their earlier centuries. He especially demonstrates how values often associated with Western Enlightenment — freedom, reason, tolerance, and an appreciation of science — had Islamic counterparts, which sadly were cast aside in favor of more dogmatic views, often for political ends. Elucidating complex ideas with engaging prose and storytelling, Reopening Muslim Minds borrows lost visions from medieval Muslim thinkers such as Ibn Rushd (aka Averroes), to offer a new Muslim worldview on a range of sensitive issues: human rights, equality for women, freedom of religion, or freedom from religion. While frankly acknowledging the problems in the world of Islam today, Akyol offers a clear and hopeful vision for its future.
Download or read book Apostates Islam Freedom of Faith Spanish Peninsular European Language written by AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman and published by International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). This book was released on 2016-01-01 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this new and important analysis of apostasy (al-Riddah), the author examines fundamental teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, as well as historical as opposed to scriptural postulates, to uncover the origins of the debate and refute misconception. Mainstream media and critics of Islam delight in pointing to the death penalty as evidence of Islam’s draconian tenets, moral flaws and flagrant disregard for human rights. This demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the correct Islamic position, what apostasy signifies in Islam, ignorance of Islamic principles of justice, as well as failure to comprehend the manipulation of religion for political purposes.
Download or read book Religious Freedom in Islam written by Daniel Philpott and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-02-01 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since at least the attacks of September 11, 2001, one of the most pressing political questions of the age has been whether Islam is hostile to religious freedom. Daniel Philpott examines conditions on the ground in forty-seven Muslim-majority countries today and offers an honest, clear-eyed answer to this urgent question. It is not, however, a simple answer. From a satellite view, the Muslim world looks unfree. But, Philpott shows, the truth is much more complex. Some one-fourth of Muslim-majority countries are in fact religiously free. Of the other countries, about forty percent are governed not by Islamists but by a hostile secularism imported from the West, while the other sixty percent are Islamist. The picture that emerges is both honest and hopeful. Yes, most Muslim-majority countries are lacking in religious freedom. But, Philpott argues, the Islamic tradition carries within it "seeds of freedom," and he offers guidance for how to cultivate those seeds in order to expand religious freedom in the Muslim world and the world at large. It is an urgent project. Religious freedom promotes goods like democracy and the advancement of women that are lacking in the Muslim-majority world and reduces ills like civil war, terrorism, and violence. Further, religious freedom is simply a matter of justice--not an exclusively Western value, but rather a universal right rooted in human nature. Its realization is critical to the aspirations of religious minorities and dissenters in Muslim countries, to Muslims living in non-Muslim countries or under secular dictatorships, and to relations between the West and the Muslim world. In this thoughtful book, Philpott seeks to establish a constructive middle ground in a fiery and long-lasting debate over Islam.
Download or read book Punishment of Apostasy in Islam written by S. A. Rahman and published by The Other Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book, by a former Chief Justice of Pakistan, examines each and every aspect of Islamic jurisprudence connected with the question of apostasy in a detailed manner. The post-9/11 'war on terror' has underscored the crucial importance of understanding the issue distinctly in its religious and political contexts. Hence, this study should be of interest to legislators, judges, members of the legal profession, Islamic educational institutions as well as intelligent lay readers.S.A. Rahman (1903-1979) did his MA from University of Punjab, BA Hons from Oxford University and PhD in Law from Cairo. He entered ICS (Indian Civil Service) in 1928 and after the partition served in various capacities in Pakistan. He was Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab from 1950-1952. He retired as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1969. He authored a number of Urdu books, among them Tarjuman-i-Asrar (versified Urdu translation of Iqbal's Asrar-i-Khudi) and Safar, a collection of Urdu poems.
Download or read book Freedom of Religion or Belief written by Paul T. Babie and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2020-05-29 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Using the metaphor of ‘constitutional space’, this thought-provoking book describes the confluence and convergence of powers in a constitutional system, comprised of the principled exercise of the legislative, executive and judicial powers of constitutional government. Addressing the issues surrounding the freedom of religion or belief, the book explores the dimensions of constitutional space and the content of this freedom, as well as comparative approaches to defining and protecting this freedom.
Download or read book The Atheist Muslim written by Ali A. Rizvi and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2016-11-22 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In much of the Muslim world, religion is the central foundation upon which family, community, morality, and identity are built. The inextricable embedment of religion in Muslim culture has forced a new generation of non-believing Muslims to face the heavy costs of abandoning their parents’ religion: disowned by their families, marginalized from their communities, imprisoned, or even sentenced to death by their governments. Struggling to reconcile the Muslim society he was living in as a scientist and physician and the religion he was being raised in, Ali A. Rizvi eventually loses his faith. Discovering that he is not alone, he moves to North America and promises to use his new freedom of speech to represent the voices that are usually quashed before reaching the mainstream media—the Atheist Muslim. In The Atheist Muslim, we follow Rizvi as he finds himself caught between two narrative voices he cannot relate to: extreme Islam and anti-Muslim bigotry in a post-9/11 world. The Atheist Muslim recounts the journey that allows Rizvi to criticize Islam—as one should be able to criticize any set of ideas—without demonizing his entire people. Emotionally and intellectually compelling, his personal story outlines the challenges of modern Islam and the factors that could help lead it toward a substantive, progressive reformation.
