Definition of Apostasy (Riddah)
Linguistic Definition:
"الردة لغة: الرجوع" (Book: Aqeedat at-Tawheed wa Bayaan Ma Yudadduha, Author: Saleh Al-Fawzan)
Translation: Linguistically, Riddah means: to return or go back.
It is also mentioned in the lexicon:
"ارتد عن دينه: كفر بعد إسلامه" (Book: Mu'jam Al-Lughah Al-Arabiyyah Al-Mu'asirah, Author: Ahmed Mukhtar Omar)
Translation: He apostatized from his religion, meaning: he became a disbeliever after accepting Islam.
Islamic Legal (Shari'ah) Definition:
"وفي الشرع: الرجوع عن الإسلام إلى الكفر وقطع الإسلام" (Book: Al-Uthzr bil-Jahl Taht al-Mijhar Ash-Shar'i, Author: Midhat Al-Farraj)
Translation: In Shari'ah, Riddah is returning from Islam to disbelief and severing one's Islam.
"واصطلاحاً: الرجوع عن الإسلام إلى الكفر" (Book: Al-Nihayah fi Sharh Al-Hidayah, Author: Husam Al-Din Al-Sighnaqi)
Translation: In Islamic legal terminology, apostasy is returning from Islam to disbelief.
Imam Al-Damiri (may Allah have mercy on him) states:
"هي: قطع الإسلام بنية أو قول كفر أو فعل" (Book: Al-Najm Al-Wahhaj fi Sharh Al-Minhaj, Author: Kamal Al-Din Al-Damiri)
Translation: Riddah is the severing of Islam through an intention, a statement of disbelief, or an act of disbelief.
Important Note on Declaring Apostasy:
Passing a judgment of apostasy on a specific individual (Takfeer al-Mu'ayyan) is an extremely sensitive Islamic legal matter. It requires careful consideration of factors such as knowledge, intent, the establishment of proof (Iqamat al-Hujjah), as well as impediments like ignorance, misinterpretation (Ta'weel), and other conditions. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to consult authentic scholars and Muftis (Islamic jurists) in these matters, keeping in mind that there are differences of opinion among the scholars regarding certain details of this issue.
Have a question about this post?
Ask a QuestionAbout the Author
Muhammad Awais
By the boundless grace and guidance of Allah Almighty, Muhammad Awais is associated with the noble journey of teaching, research, and writing. In his quest to quench his thirst for knowledge, he has completed the Dars-e-Nizami (Traditional Islamic Education), an MA in English, an M.Phil in Islamic Studies, and a B.Ed. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies at Hazara University. The core of his academic interests primarily revolves around Islamic Sciences, Western Philosophy, contemporary intellectual discourses, Ilm al-Kalam (Islamic Scholastic Theology), and both classical and modern logic—subjects he continuously strives to comprehend more deeply and reflect upon. His association as a 'Master Trainer' with the British Council and other local institutions, coupled with his experience in competitive examinations, has acquainted him with a diverse array of academic disciplines, for which he is profoundly grateful to the Lord of Majesty. With his very limited abilities, he is making a humble effort to contribute a small share towards serving knowledge, offering intellectual guidance, and fostering an environment of positive academic dialogue. It is his heartfelt prayer that the Lord of the Worlds graciously accepts these modest and fragmented efforts in His Divine Presence, and makes this knowledge beneficial for His creation. Ameen.