Woman fails in bid to renounce Islam

New Straits Times reported <>A 24-year-old Muslim woman yesterday failed in her application to renounce Islam on the grounds that she did not practise the religion and was never given religious education. Syariah High Court judge Jasri @ Nasip Matjakir said the applicant did not submit any concrete evidence that she was no longer a Muslim in action, behaviour or deed that could expel her from Islam.

She said that she did not "practise" the religion. Is the lack of that action insufficient? Are other Muslims that do not practice the religion still forced to remain muslims?

... Jasri, in his judgment, said although the Federal Constitution did state that every individual deserved to choose his or her religion, it did not give authority to the syariah court to allow Muslims to renounce their religion. "The court can only decide whether one’s action is permissible according to Muslim laws.

So the Federal Constitution is not the highest law in the country?

"The reasons given by the applicant are based on fear of punishment which is against the teachings of Islam. Is fear a good enough reason? "The court finds the reasons given are weak and not one that can be used as permissible to murtad (leave Islam)."

Fear is weak? What about the fact that Surah 2:256 says “There is no compulsion in religion”, Surah 16:82 says “Then, if they turn away, your duty (O Muhammad) is only to convey (the Message) in a clear way.”, Surah 42:48 says “But if they turn away (from Islam). We have not sent you as a Hafiz (watcher, protector) over them (to take care of their deeds and to recompense them). Your duty is to convey (the Message)…”, and Surah 88:21-22 says “And so, (O Prophet!) exhort them, your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe.”