Apostasy in Islam was a hot topic at the grand opening of the cultural season at the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs last Sunday. Adviser to the Minister of Endowments Dr. Muhammad Shāmah issued a fatwá stating that apostasy is not punishable in Islam because it is not mandated as such in the Qur‘ān. He added that the state should protect the rights of all religious converts. Dr. ‘Abd al-Mu‘tī Bayyūmī acknowledged the fatwá while Shaykh Mahmūd ‘Āshūr refused to comment because he said such issues should be left to Sharī‘ah specialists.

Key Words: Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs - Dr. Muhammad Shāmah - Dr. ‘Abd al-Mu‘tī Bayyūmī - Shaykh Mahmūd ‘Āshūr