Ridda

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Ridda (Arab., ʾirtadda, ‘retrace one's steps’). Apostasy from Muslim belief (cf. MURTADD), especially al-Ridda, the wars of apostasy which immediately followed the death of Muḥammad. The penalty is death if the apostate (murtadd) speaks against Islam (see also BLASPHEMY). The penalty is not stated in the Qurʾān, and is based on ḥadīth.