That, or a bunch of rabid morons that threatens anyone who looks like an apostate with death.
Islam is unique in that it is the only major "religion" that prohibits apostasy, on the pain of death. Once someone becomes a convert, Islam says the only way to leave is in a coffin, be it through old age, a casualty of war while spreading Islam, or executed due to apostasy.
Of course, reality is more complicated than that, but the fear of death at anytime from any Muslim (especially neighbors and family members) for being even suspected of an apostate means that Muslims tend stay Muslim, if only nominally. Muslim religious leaders confessed that it is practically the only thing keeping the "religion" from dying.
I guarantee you that if we can make it so that the threat of death for apostasy is significantly reduced or neutralized, Islam will collapse like a house of cards in a windstorm.
That, or a bunch of rabid morons that threatens anyone who looks like an apostate with death.
Islam is unique in that it is the only major "religion" that prohibits apostasy, on the pain of death. Once someone becomes a convert, Islam says the only way to leave is in a coffin, be it through old age, a casualty of war while spreading Islam, or executed due to apostasy.
Of course, reality is more complicated than that, but the fear of death at anytime from any Muslim (especially neighbors and family members) for being even suspected of an apostate means that Muslims tend stay Muslim, if only nominally. Muslim religious leaders confessed that it is practically the only thing keeping the "religion" from dying.
I guarantee you that if we can make it so that the threat of death for apostasy is significantly reduced or neutralized, Islam will collapse like a house of cards in a windstorm.
blood atonement was also practiced among the early mormons and used for apostasy.