Q 3: If a Muslim who apostatizes and abandons Islam deserves the death penalty, why does not a non-Muslim who converts to Islam deserve the same penalty?

A: By professing Islam, the person obeys Allah (Glorified be He) and achieves actual servitude to Him. Any competent creature, whether from among mankind or Jinn (creatures created from fire), is obligated to believe in Allah's Religion. This is Allah's Right that all His Creation have to fulfill. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). He (Glorified be He) also says: Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. And O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2). Also, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says about the great reward of the person who professes Islam with deep belief in Allah and translates their Iman (Faith) into good deeds: "Verily those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, shall have the Gardens of Al-Firdaus (Paradise) for their entertainment. "Wherein they shall dwell (forever). No desire will they have for removal therefrom." (Part No. 22; Page No. 235) Allah (Glorified be He) says: O Children of Adam! If there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting to you My Verses, then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. And Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance he shall neither go astray, nor shall be distressed. And Whoever works righteousness - whether male or female - while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). There are many Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) to the same effect. Therefore, the person who professes Islam and believes in Allah as the Lord, in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a Prophet and Messenger, and in Islam as a religion will be rewarded by gaining Allah's Guidance and Light, having a blissful life in this world and in the Hereafter, attaining bliss in Jannah (Paradise), gaining Allah's Pleasure, and being saved from the Fire.On the other hand, the person who apostatizes and abandons Al-Haqq (the Truth), that was revealed by Allah, is disobeying Allah (Exalted be He) and neglecting His Orders. Hence, they deserve to be punished by the death penalty in this world and by staying in the Fire forever in the Hereafter. This is according to the Judgment of Allah (Part No. 22; Page No. 236) (Glorified and Exalted be He) as mentioned in His Saying: And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.