But, isn't a Munafiq more worse than an Apostate, since a Apostate publicly notified the people that he/she is no longer a Muslim?
Also, the Apostasy have levels. The infamous Apostate named Ibn Arabi (The Sufi Poet), who said that "He is God and God is he", was put to death, because not only was he committing shirk, but he was deliberately teaching the young minds to speak in such ways. Mind you, he never claimed that he left Islam, but the mere fact that he was standing firm to his path, despite the fact that he was told over and over to stop his ill-fated teaching got him under the sword.
So, if Apostasy has levels, then why kill a person who peacefully left Islam?
Why should I get banned when I'm trying to inquire knowledge? I'm not stating my opinion, however thru my opinions and curiosity, I would gain knowledge insha'allah.
The argument is that a peaceful apostate constitutes a threat. 1 peaceful apostate cant do anything, but if you give the space for people to publicly come out with their apostacy, then you might have a coaliation who might try and enforce their values, on the system. In essence, moral degradation of society.
Only god can judge your heart. Only god judges what you do privately. The state deals with the public.
Only if the individual takes his/her apostasy public and causes social unrest, does the State get involved according to Islamic law.
It depends on what you mean social unrest.. bringing your apostacy to public, almost gloating about it, could be considered as causing social unrest. But that would be considered "peaceful apostacy" by some. All up to interpretation you see..
Only the apostate who invites others to kufr must be killed. But the one who is no threat should be left alone. There is no compulsion in religion.
I think this isnt the traditional opinion, but its one that at least seems more in the spirit of Islam.