Punishment of Apostate and Answer to Doubts in the View of Ayatollah Ma'refat

There is definitely a punishment for apostate in Islamic jurisprudence, but a question raises here as to whether the apostate is punished only because of his belief or for his making corruption, weakening religious society and opposing Islamic government? Is it possible to impose or punish a matter of heart and thought? How is this consistent with the view that there is no compulsion in religion? The author of the article tries to prove that the punishment of apostate is not because of his belief but for his criminal act; therefore, if apostasy originates from a scientific doubt - but not carnal desires - one should strive to remove it, and unless his obstinacy is proved he should not be punished. Therefore, although belief is a matter of heart not capable of being imposed, criminal conduct or act is voluntary and optional. Therefore, there is no conflict between the view that “there is no compulsion in religion” and the punishment of the apostate. As the holy war with unbelievers is intended to provide the ground for calling and communicating the word of Allah to the people and in this path the tyrants are removed but religion is not imposed.