@
Northwest 1/There are things which are extremely clear in Islam , especially the basics and foundation.
But there are other things , which are debatable due to insufficient evidence.
For instance , some scholars say that Islam tells the woman to cover her face while others say no it’s only hair and each provide their case.
Hence why we see many Muslims today covering their hair only while others their face too
But they are both equally Muslims.
( a woman can also still be Muslim without covering either )
Similarly, Apostasy is a debatable matter in Islam. yes many major religious figures spoke about the punishment being death.
However , not only in our 21st century , but even as early as after the death of the prophet Mohammed and
Even as early as the 8 th century and even today. I could give you names of endless Muslim scholars who spoke out throughout history against it.
Now why is it debatable ?
1/ not a single Apostate was killed during the lifetime of prophet Mohammed. Insufficient biographical evidence.
2/ the only evidence that scholars have are a few hadiths ascribed to prophet Mohammed which say to kill the apostate. however , we don’t know when and in what situation it was said and it contradicts the Quran (look at point 3)
3/ the punishment for apostasy is not mentioned in the Quran! Imagine the punishment for adultery theft etc are all mentioned in the Quran yet something which is supposedly worse (apostasy) , the punishment for it is not mentioned in the Quran. But we actually see the opposite in the Quran.
4/ in the peace treaty that prophet Mohammed did with the pagans of Mecca one of the conditions is that any person who leave Islam and return to paganism shall be allowed to return safely to Mecca from Medina and prophet Mohammed agreed to it And many other examples.
So as a Muslim myself , i do not believe in that belief that some groups of Muslims and individuals might have.
But in specific cases like treason and fitna
“ the bulk conversions took place under penalty of death. ”
That is absolute not true
It is extremely prohibited to force a non Muslim to become Muslim
That is agreed upon by all scholars.
Not only during the life time of Mohammed but even after
when Muslims took over Egypt Jerusalem Spain etc
There was no forced conversions
And no church etc were destroyed
That is a historical fact
Actually Muslims were the minority for decades in the regions they ruled over
Which is a proof enough that there was no such thing as forced conversions
Maybe minor ones throughout history especially as radicals showed up
But it does not define the religion