Answer: First, the ḥadith, “Whoever changes his religion, kill him,” is authentic. Al-Bukhārī and others among the scholars of the Sunnah transmitted it with this very wording: “Whoever changes his religion, kill him.” As for reconciling it with the other proofs that were mentioned, praise be to Allah, there is no contradiction. The Prophet’s statement refers to the apostate who falls into disbelief after having been a Muslim; such a person is asked to repent—if he repents he is spared, and if he refuses he is executed.

With respect to Allah’s words, “There is no compulsion in religion; right guidance has become distinct from error” (2:256), and His words, “Had your Lord willed, everyone on earth would have believed, all of them together; so will you compel people until they become believers?” (10:99), these verses do not conflict with the ḥadith, because entry into Islam cannot be forced. Accepting Islam is an affair of the heart, an inner conviction; we have no control over hearts to make them believe. That is in Allah’s hand alone—He is the Turner of hearts, guiding whom He wills and leading astray whom He wills.

Our duty, rather, is to invite people to Allah, to clarify the truth, and to wage jihād in the path of Allah against those who stubbornly reject the truth after recognizing it; such people we are commanded to fight. What we are not tasked with is coercing anyone to enter Islam or forcing faith into hearts—that belongs solely to Allah. Our role is to call to Allah with wisdom and good admonition, to explain this religion to mankind, and to fight the obstinate disbelievers and deniers until worship is devoted to Allah alone and there is no persecution.

As for the apostate, he is to be executed, for he disbelieved after having been a Muslim and abandoned the truth after