New interpretation of apostasy needed for modern times, says Muslim scholar

A leading Muslim scholar has argued that contemporary Muslims needed to come up with a new interpretation of apostasy to reflect freedom of religion and human rights. Dr Nader Hashemi explained apostasy was considered a severe offence punishable by death under the mainstream interpretation of Islam. Speaking at the Symposium on Islam, Democracy and Secularism in Malaysia today, Dr Hashemi said the apostasy law was written for a certain age and that it was time for scholars to embrace new interpretations.

Muslims think that only one interpretation of apostasy is allowed but they fail to take certain factors into consideration, including freedom of religion.

Dr Nader Hashemi

Dr Hashemi is the director of the Centre for Middle East Studies and associate professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, both at the University of Denver. He argued that a new interpretation of the Quran and Hadith should focus on moral and ethical values instead of blindly following the teachings of ancient times. He called on scholars to beware of those who try to advance their own personal interests above that of Islam and the faithful.

There should be freedom of religion in Islam, as the Prophet himself advocated, and this should be promoted on a mass level.

Dr Hashemi

Politics Islam