In this new and important analysis of apostasy (al-Riddah), the author examines fundamental teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, as well as historical as opposed to scriptural postulates, to uncover the origins of the debate and refute misconception. Mainstream media and critics of Islam delight in pointing to the death penalty as evidence of Islam’s draconian tenets, moral flaws and flagrant disregard for human rights. This demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the correct Islamic position, what apostasy signifies in Islam, ignorance of Islamic principles of justice, as well as failure to comprehend the manipulation of religion for political purposes. Abdulhamid AbuSulayman is President of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) USA; President of the Child Development Foundation, USA; and former Rector of the International Islamic University, Malaysia. He is also the author of numerous works including: The Islamic Theory of International Relations: New Directions for Islamic Methodology and Thought (1987); Crisis in the Muslim Mind (1987); Marital Discord: Recapturing the Full Islamic Spirit of Human Dignity (2003); Revitalizing Higher Education in the Muslim World (2007) as well as several books and papers in Arabic. AbuSulayman has also delivered numerous papers and lectures and has been instrumental in organizing many international symposia, conferences and seminars. (2007). Keywords: apostasy, al-riddah, islamic principles, misunderstanding, quran, sunnah, apostates, scriptural postulates

Paperback : ISBN: 978-1-56564-667-4 $6.95 eBook : ISBN: $3.95 Size/pages/year : (6x9) / 50 p. / 2015