Does the verse, "And We would not punish until We had sent a messenger," necessitate establishing proof and clarification to a polytheist who claims to be a Muslim before judging him, or is the mere receipt of the Qur’an sufficient to establish proof?

Several fatwas have preceded regarding the parameters of declaring someone an apostate. The issue of seeking repentance from an apostate has been a point of disagreement among scholars, with the majority holding that it is obligatory, citing the narration from Omar as evidence. The implementation of hudud (Islamic penal code) is the prerogative of the Muslim ruler or his representative, and not for ordinary individuals to carry out.