Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪdə] (IPA) 
The word "ridda" is often misspelled as "rida" or "riddah". The correct spelling is [rɪdə], with a short "i" sound, a voiced "d" consonant, and a neutral vowel "ə" at the end. In Arabic, "ridda" means apostasy or defection from Islam. It has also been used in the context of historical events such as the Ridda Wars, which were a series of military campaigns against rebel tribes who refused to pay zakat after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
Ridda, also known as riddah or riddat al-apostasy, is an Arabic term that refers to the act of apostasy or rejection of religious beliefs, specifically within the context of Islam. It denotes the act of renouncing Islam or abandoning one's faith in the religion. The word ridda is derived from the Arabic root r-d-d, which means to turn away or to reject.
Historically, ridda gained significant attention during the early years of Islam, particularly in the 7th century. Following the death of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, a series of military campaigns known as the Ridda Wars were launched against rebel tribes and individuals who chose to reject the authority of the newly formed Islamic state, and who refused to pay tribute or follow Islamic law.
From a theological perspective, ridda is considered a grave offence within Islam, as it is viewed as a betrayal of the faith and a deviance from the true path of Islam. In many interpretations, the punishment for ridda is death, although there are debates and controversies surrounding the severity and applicability of this punishment in modern times.
The concept of ridda extends beyond Islam and is found in other religious traditions as well, where apostasy is regarded as a rejection or abandonment of one's faith. However, within the Islamic context, ridda holds a significant historical and religious significance, with its impact shaping the political and social landscape in early Islamic history.
The word "ridda" has its origins in the Arabic language. It is commonly spelled as "ردة" in Arabic script. The term "ridda" translates to "apostasy" or "apostate" in English. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the root verb "radda" (ردّ), which means "to return" or "to go back" in Arabic. In the context of its usage, "ridda" refers to the act of someone abandoning or renouncing their religion, particularly in regards to leaving Islam.
