Assalaamu alaykum. If an adult, sane non-Muslim who lives in a non-Muslim land accepts Islam and then wants to leave Islam and does so, but they did not know anything or much about Islam and are very ignorant about Islam, can they be excused from the punishment for apostasy if their land was to become an Islamic State that is ruled by the Shariah? What if a non-Muslim was not told or was ignorant about any punishment for apostasy before saying the testimony of faith, what would a judge or court lawyers do? Thank you for your time. I am asking because I heard that it is possible for a convert/revert new Muslim to be excused for apostasy due to a lack of knowledge unlike one who was born or raised Muslim.
Some of the rulings on apostasy and apostates: https://islamqa.info/en/14231
Shar‘i evidence that the one who is ignorant is excused with regard to issues of Shirk (polytheism) and Kufr (disbelief): https://islamqa.info/en/228033
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s view on ignorance as excuse: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=332815
Ruling on the one who intends to renounce Islam: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=45186
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Dear brother, you have asked us so many questions about apostasy; this is evidence of in-depth detailing of issues without need and evidence of suffering Waswaas (obsessive whispers); so we advise you to fear Allah and avoid asking so many in-depth questions.
We are busy answering questions whose askers are waiting for answers. If you have any question that leads to doing a good deed, then you are welcome; otherwise, please stop asking these ‘if’ questions.
Allah knows best.