What is the ruling on the apostasy (*riddah*) of a minor whose Islam was valid?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
If a minor apostatizes after validly embracing Islam, his apostasy is valid according to Abu Hanifa and appears to be the manifest position in the madhhab of Malik. This is because his Islam was validly established based on his comprehension and subsequent actions.
Supporting text
According to Al-Shafi'i, neither the minor's Islam nor his apostasy is valid. A narration from Ahmad suggests his Islam is valid but his apostasy is not, based on the Hadith about the lifted pen, implying no sin is recorded against him. Since apostasy incurs capital punishment, it is not established for a minor, unlike a valid Islam which is a pure benefit.