Yes, it may seem a barbaric punishment. But you have to see this in a much wider social context. The punishment is as excessive as deserter being shot during the world wars. Also, it was only carried out during Islams infancy where alot of false apostacy was being used to try and destroy the new religion. It is more the message that this conveyed to society during the early days of islam. I dont think that this punishment is specifically prescribed in the Koran.

butterfly... i fail to see what your point is. muslims are stupid? i fear, again, you have commented without thinking about the consequences of what you say.

Respect

GIASI