Its you who keeps changing the subject, whenever you are left answer-less. In this case, are you saying that those who disagreed did they believe that a person who rejects to take out Zakat is a Muslim? And not an apostate?
So did your Imam made a huge mistake for issuing capital punishment for those who apostate? Do you consider your Imam committed a sin then?
Just a simple and repeated question which you gents keep dancing around time and time again just to stretch the argument so you can save yourself from owning up and making yourselves look weighty.
Capital punishment in Islam. In Islamic ruled and governed countries who decides on capital punishment based on religious issues, Allah or the ruler of the country. Lesser punishment or penalties are all decided by Allah for example in the cases such as adultry, not fasting or breaking your fast before time without due reason, killing someone accidently or unintentionally etc etc.
When it comes to the issue of Zakah who decides on what happens to those who don't pay or give Zakah. Are they subject to capital punishment by beheading. On who's orders. Who decides this, Allah or the ruler of the time. Do you give or pay Zakah. Can the ruler of the time force you to give or pay Zakah. A lot of questions but all related to the same issue and matter but somehow scares and frightens some of you.
What does 'La ikraha fid deen' mean, 'there is no compulsion within Islam" If this is not an academic and meaningful discussion then I don't know what is.