ABSTRACT
Unlike the case in the pre-modern period, there is a significant level of diversity among Muslim thinkers and scholars of the modern period on the issue of capital punishment for apostasy. In the pre-modern period, and right up to the modern period, death for apostasy was taken for granted in Islamic law. Today, three main positions seem to be emerging: (1) the premodern position with no change; (2) the pre-modern position with restrictions; and (3) total freedom to move to and from Islam. The latter position constitutes a direct challenge to the pre-modern position on apostasy. Given the sensitive nature of the issue, in the following an attempt will be made to quote the authors verbatim, where possible and relevant.
