apostasie

Apostasie, or apostasy, is the act of renouncing a religious faith, belief, or oath. The word derives from Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasia, meaning a standing away. In general use, it refers to a voluntary abandonment of a religion or an explicit rejection of previously held beliefs or vows.

In religious contexts, apostasy is treated differently across traditions. In Christianity, apostasy has historically signified a deliberate denial of the Christian faith and has been linked to excommunication or other sanctions in some periods, while modern churches often frame belief as a matter of conscience and emphasize freedom of belief. In Islam, apostasy is known as irtidad or ridda; traditional jurists have viewed it as a serious offense, with penalties prescribed in some legal schools, though contemporary practice ranges from protective, non-punitive approaches to formal criminal penalties in certain jurisdictions. International human rights standards generally protect freedom of religion and belief, including the right to change one’s religion.

In the modern world, the legality and social acceptability of apostasy vary by country. Some states retain laws that criminalize leaving Islam or other religions, whereas many others guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit coercion. Social consequences can include familial or community pressure, social stigma, or discrimination, even when legal protections exist. The term is also used more broadly to describe abandoning a political ideology, oath, or sect.