More about why below:
What is Apostasy?
Apostasy refers to renouncing or abandoning a religion.
In Islamic law (sharia), it typically means leaving Islam, either by converting to another faith, declaring atheism, or even expressing views considered blasphemous.
While interpretations vary, classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) in most Sunni and Shia schools traditionally treats apostasy as a major crime, sometimes punishable by death if the apostate does not repent.
However, in practice:
- Many Muslim-majority countries do not apply the death penalty for apostasy.
- Some only criminalize it with prison or civil penalties.
- A few still have laws prescribing death, though actual executions are rare today.
Situation in the 10 countries shown in the map:
| Country | Legal Situation Regarding Apostasy | Notes / Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Apostasy is punishable by death under the Taliban’s interpretation of sharia law. | Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, apostasy is treated as a capital offense, though formal trials are rare and enforcement is opaque. |
| Iran | Apostasy is not explicitly mentioned in the penal code but is punishable by death under Islamic jurisprudence (fatwas & court rulings). | Several high-profile cases have resulted in death sentences, usually commuted under pressure. |
| Saudi Arabia | Apostasy is considered a hudud crime and punishable by death. | The kingdom rarely carries out executions solely for apostasy; charges are often combined with blasphemy or terrorism. |
| Qatar | Apostasy is punishable by death under sharia law. | No known executions for apostasy in modern times; enforcement is very rare. |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Apostasy is technically a capital offense under the penal code (sharia-based). | No recent executions reported; apostasy cases are rare. |
| Yemen | Apostasy is punishable by death under its constitution and penal code (sharia-based). | The civil war and divided governance make enforcement inconsistent. |
| Maldives | Apostasy is punishable by death, but implementation is practically nonexistent. | Apostasy can result in loss of citizenship. |
| Mauritania | Apostasy carries the death penalty. | In 2018, Mauritania made the death penalty mandatory for apostasy-related blasphemy; a few cases have been reported. |
| Brunei Darussalam | Introduced death penalty for apostasy under full sharia implementation (2019). | Enforcement has been very limited; authorities claim a "de facto moratorium" on executions. |
| Malaysia | Apostasy is handled by state-level sharia courts; penalties vary by state. | Some states prescribe death (Selangor, Kelantan), but no executions have been carried out; usually results in "rehabilitation." |
Apostasy in Other Religions (History & Practice)
While today it is most associated with Islam, apostasy punishments historically existed in many religions:
Christianity:
- In medieval Europe, apostasy and heresy were punishable by death (e.g., the Inquisition, execution of “heretics” like Giordano Bruno in 1600).
- The Byzantine Empire criminalized apostasy from Christianity.
- Today, no Christian-majority country has death penalties for apostasy.
Judaism:
- Ancient Jewish law (Torah, Deuteronomy 13:6–10, 17:2–6) prescribed death for apostasy/idolatry.
- In practice, Rabbinic Judaism shifted away from enforcing such penalties after the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE).
- Modern Judaism does not call for such punishments.
Hinduism:
- Hindu tradition historically did not have a centralized death penalty for apostasy, though social ostracism (loss of caste, excommunication) was common.
- In some Hindu kingdoms, conversion away from Hinduism could result in civil penalties, but not execution.
Buddhism:
- Generally no concept of execution for apostasy; Buddhism spread by persuasion, not coercion.
- However, in some Buddhist-majority countries (e.g., Sri Lanka, Myanmar), converts may face harassment, but not death penalties.
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