ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the definition of apostasy (riddah) and related terms such as blasphemy (sabb Allah and sabb al-rasul), heresy (zandaqah), hypocrisy (nifaq) and unbelief (kufr). It will highlight the differences between these concepts and explore their relationship to the concept of apostasy. An examination of four ‘apostasy lists’ will demonstrate the fluid nature of apostasy as understood in the modern period.
