Objection 1: The Woman Who Threw Garbage and the Punishment for Blasphemy
Some individuals argue that the Prophet ﷺ did not punish a woman in Medina who used to throw garbage at him ﷺ. They say that if a practical blasphemer was forgiven, then how is it permissible to punish a verbal blasphemer? Furthermore, they argue that the Prophet ﷺ also forgave enemies of Islam like Abdullah bin Ubay and Abu Lahab.
Answer:
This argument is entirely based on misunderstanding. It is essential to understand the difference between the Meccan and Medinan periods of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
Meccan Period:
◈ This was the initial phase of the religion when Muslims had no political or military power. At that time, the command was for forbearance and patience.
◈ A clear example is the oppression faced by the Prophet ﷺ in Ta’if, despite which he prayed for their guidance instead of cursing them.
Medinan Period:
◈ After the establishment of the Islamic state in Medina, the laws of Shariah were enforced.
◈ In this period, the punishment for blasphemy against the Prophet ﷺ was explicitly death, because it is an insult to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, which could harm the foundation of the entire religion of Islam.
Example:
◈ The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave clear orders for the killing of Ka’b bin Ashraf, Abu Rafi’, and other blasphemers (details will follow).
Objection 2: The Contradiction Between the Mercy of the Prophet of the Worlds ﷺ and Punishment
Some people say that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forgave personal injustices during his life, such as during the stoning in Taif, so why is there punishment for blasphemy against the Prophet?
Answer:
This objection is also based on misunderstanding. The hardships the Prophet ﷺ endured in his personal life are a reflection of his personal character and mercy. But when it comes to the honor of prophethood and religion, no compromise can be made.
Personal matters:
◈ Where you were personally harmed, such as the stoning in Taif or the conspiracies of enemies in Mecca, you forgave.
Insult to the office of prophethood:
◈ When someone attacked your status as a Prophet, insulted your dignity, or tried to harm the religion, you imposed strict punishment.
Clear command in the Holy Quran:
وَإِن نَّكَثُوا أَيْمَانَهُم مِّن بَعْدِ عَهْدِهِمْ وَطَعَنُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ فَقَاتِلُوا أَئِمَّةَ الْكُفْرِ
Translation: “And if they break their oaths after their covenant and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief.”
Difference between the Meccan and Medinan periods
1. Meccan period: Patience and forbearance
◈ Muslims had no power in Mecca. During this period, no practical action against blasphemers was possible.
Quranic Commands:
قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُ لَيَحْزُنُكَ الَّذِي يَقُولُونَ
Translation: “We know that their words grieve you.”
Attitude of the Companions:
◈ Sayyiduna Usama bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) states that during the Meccan period, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forgave the blasphemers by Allah’s command because Muslims had no power.
2. Madinan Period: Enforcement of Punishment
◈ After the establishment of the Islamic state in Medina, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ issued orders for the punishment of blasphemy by execution.
Quranic Commands:
إِنَّا كَفَيْنَاكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِئِينَ
Translation: “We are sufficient for you against the mockers.”
Incidents of Blasphemy and Punishment
1. Killing of Ka’b bin Ashraf
◈ Ka’b bin Ashraf was a Jewish poet who wrote verses mocking and insulting the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ ordered his killing, and the Companions carried it out.
2. Killing of Abu Rafi’
◈ Abu Rafi‘ was also engaged in insulting the Prophet ﷺ. The Companions traveled from Medina and killed him.
3. The Killing of Asma bint Marwan
◈ This woman used to insult the Prophet ﷺ and recite poetry opposing him. A Companion, Umair bin Adi رضي الله عنه, killed her. The Prophet ﷺ praised this killing.
4. Ibn Khatal and His Two Slave Women
◈ At the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet ﷺ ordered the killing of Ibn Khatal and his two slave women because they were engaged in insulting him ﷺ.
The Rashidun Caliphate and Insulting the Prophet ﷺ
◈ During the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, those who insulted the Messenger ﷺ were not forgiven.
◈ Allama Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله says: “The Prophet ﷺ could forgive the offenders during his lifetime, but the Ummah does not have the authority to forgive the insult.”
Summary and Clarification of Objections
◈ Forgiving Abdullah bin Abi: This incident was a personal enmity, whereas the punishment for blasphemy against the Prophet ﷺ is a ruling of Sharia.
◈ Ignoring events after the establishment of the Islamic state: Objectors only cite examples from the Meccan period, while the rulings of Sharia were completed in the Madinan period.
◈ The pretext of freedom of expression: Defamation laws exist worldwide. Protecting the honor of the Prophet ﷺ is the most important for Muslims because it is the center of the religion.
Policy of Islamic Society
◈ Protecting the honor of the Prophet ﷺ is a fundamental value in Muslim society.
◈ Enduring blasphemy against the Prophet ﷺ under the name of “freedom of expression” is against Islamic teachings and history.
