.... Secondly, if we look at what the Prophet actually said on the issue, we'll see that apostasy is NOT punishable by death on its own. Rather, it must be accompanied by rebellion against the Muslim state.
“The blood of a Muslim, who confesses that there is no God but God and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In penalty for murder, a married person who commits adultery and the one who reverts from Islam (apostates) and leaves the community.” This hadith is reported in Bukhari.
Notice that apostasy is attached to leaving the Muslim community, i.e. high treason. Apostasy itself is not punishable by death, based upon the words of the Prophet Muhammad himself. [Omer Subhani] Read more
