Is the apostate's punishment always death, or is it specific to those who fight against the religion? And are those who abandon prayer and ablution – while knowing the two testimonies of faith – considered apostates whose punishment may be death?

A Muslim should not incline towards a saying merely because it aligns with his desires. Rather, he must adhere to the evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah (definition). Apostasy can occur by the heart, the tongue, or by action, and an apostate is worse than an original disbeliever. Not everyone who falls into disbelief becomes an apostate, for there are excuses such as "ignorance, misinterpretation (ta'wil), coercion, and error." An apostate is not killed immediately; instead, he is asked to repent three times. If he insists [on his apostasy], he is killed. The Prophetic traditions indicate the obligation to kill an apostate, whether he is a combatant or non-combatant. There is simple apostasy and aggravated apostasy. The evidence for the nullification of the death penalty by repentance does not apply to both categories, as aggravated apostasy does not waive the death penalty through repentance. Waging war against religion is not limited to weapons only; it also includes the tongue, and this can be more harmful. One who abandons prayer is a disbelieving apostate.