This issue says a lot about the religion.

Most Muslims are born into the religion. Not that many are willing converts from other religions. If they have to have a penalty of physical torture or death for defectors then there isnt that much holding people in the faith.

Usually the thought of eternal damnation is enough of a guilt trip to hold most people, but if you have to add physical torture to keep the flock together, then it is more of a bondage or a cult.

"Cult" sums it up best, I think. A religion based on the destruction of other religions is not worthy of the designation "religion"...