(May 16, 2011 at 12:25 pm)Rayaan Wrote: Generally speaking, Islam does allow us to protect ourselves in the face of extreme violence, but for those who merely speak bad about Islam (or the Prophet), we are not taught to hurt them nor to speak bad about them. Also, there are rules in the Quran regarding the way Muslims should defend themselves physically.

(May 16, 2011 at 5:17 pm)Skipper Wrote: Yea, violence is only justified when facing extreme violence...or you know, if someone decides to commit the sin of apostasy, then they are fair game too despite being no threat.

Quote:Unlike some of you posted here, the strongest opinion is that there should be no punishment for apostasy. The death penalty was only imposed by the Prophet when apostasy was combined with a treasonous act, meaning that an apostate would betray or violently rebel against the Muslim state, and thereby endangering the safety of the people. There is no report that the Prophet ever ordered a death penalty on someone just for losing his or her faith in Islam. Therefore, everyone is free to express their belief/disbelief as they wish. Apostasy is only punishable by death when the apostates try to cause harm or damage to the citizens of the state.

100+ Notable Islamic Voices on Apostasy; Preserving the Freedom for Faith; Affirmation of Freedom of Expression and Belief in the Quran