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“Verily, those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe (again), and (again) disbelieve, and go on increasing in disbelief; Allaah will not forgive them, nor guide them on the (right) way” [al-Nisa’ 4:137].
Does this mean that anyone who leaves Islam twice or more can never be Muslim again? Or never be forgiven?
The words "go on increasing in disbelief" refer to being disbelievers until death. This is reported from Ibn Abbas and also Mujahid.
Ibn Kathir says:
Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that his father said that Ahmad b. 'Abdah related that Hafs b. Jami' said that Samak said that 'Ikrimah reported that Ibn 'Abbas commented;
ثُمَّ ازْدَادُواْ كُفْراً
(and go on increasing in disbelief), "They remain on disbelief until they die.'' Mujahid said similarly. (Ibn Kathir 4:137)
Allah says in another verse similarly:
And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally. (2:217)
So, the verse is not to be understood as saying those who apostate twice cannot repent. Rather, it means those who died as disbelievers will not receive God's forgiveness.
