The first question that comes to my mind while reading Mohd Elfie Nieshaem Juferi's letter is, 'Why does apostasy of an individual put the entire 'ummah' in jeopardy?'

Apostasies happen in every religion but that doesn't seem to put those religions in jeopardy. Why is Islam any different? If we take Elfie's word at face value, the next logical question is: 'What makes Islam more vulnerable to apostasy?'

Isn't religion a private matter between a person and his or her God? If apostasy is punishable by eternal damnation, so be it, but shouldn't we leave it to God to administer the punishment? After all, apostasy isn't like murder, it doesn't hurt anybody apart from the apostate.

Elfie's determination to lead a pious life to the letter of Islamic laws is very admirable. I don't think his determination will diminish if there are more incidents of apostasy. If other people want to be apostates, that's their business. They will go to Hell, that's their business.

That's is none of my concern, neither should it be his. Why should we be concerned of their well-being more than they do?

The bottom line is, if other people's behaviour can affect us, then we have the right to regulate that behaviour. Such is the social contract we live by. If a person smokes in public places, I have the right to regulate that behaviour, because I could be in those places and I don't want to breath in second-hand smoke.

But if he or she smokes in his or her home, we should leave them well alone. People should have the freedom to do what they want, so long as those actions do not affect others.

Unless Elfie is able to show how apostasy negatively affects him or other Muslims for that matter, what right does he have to tell other people how to live?