Definition of Apostasy and Its Various Forms in Islam

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله

❖ Definition of Apostasy (Irtidād)​

Apostasy (Irtidād) means turning away from Islam and returning to disbelief (kufr). This act can occur through:

• Speech,
• Action,
• Doubt, or
• Abandonment of religious obligations.

✔ Forms of Apostasy​

① Apostasy by Speech

• An example is uttering blasphemy against Allah ﷻ or His Messenger ﷺ.

② Apostasy by Action

• Such as prostrating to a cross or an idol,
• Slaughtering animals for graves, or
• Desecrating the Noble Qur’an.

③ Apostasy by Doubt

• Doubting the truth of Islam, or
• Questioning the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

④ Apostasy by Abandonment

• Turning away from Islam entirely by refusing to learn or practice it, or engaging in similar forms of neglect and rejection.

[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 21166]