Sharīca rulings are based on the Qur'an and aḥādīth. It is very interesting to assess how these sources have been interpreted in reference to both defining the crime and establishing the legal sentences of those found guilty of either blasphemy (i.e. sabb Allah, sabb al-rasūl/al-nabī) and/or apostasy (ridda/irtidād) from Islam. This article will attempt to determine whether the death penalty for the act of apostasy can be identified with the Qur'anic text and tafsīr. It will also show how inteipretations both for and against the death penalty have been emphasised through various ahādīth. Analysis of the Qur'an, Qur'anic tafsīr, and ahādīth will lead to an understanding of the development of the different opinions in Islamic jurisprudence regarding the penalty for blasphemy and apostasy. Examples offered include Q.2:217; Q.5:54; Q.9:12; Q.4:89; Q.16:106; Q.3:85 and Q.4:137. Other āyāt dealing with freedom of religious beliefs include Q.22:17; Q.2:256; Q. 109:1–6; Q.88:22–4; Q.10:99 and Q.18:29. It can be argued that a clearer understanding of certain translations and interpretations of the sacred text underlying the sharīca can show that the established legal sentencing owes much to strong political undercurrents, as opposed to a single message revealed in only one, unequivocal interpretation of the Qur'an. The conclusion highlights Islam's tolerance towards ‘Others’ or ‘infidels’, who, while holding the wrong belief systems, nevertheless have the right to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.