Why Is There Confusion About the Fate of Blasphemes?
The Qur’an itself does not prescribe the death penalty for blasphemy. Neither did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ever inflict any punishment on blasphemers in his lifetime.
The harsh penalties for apostasy and blasphemy became formalized in the centuries after the Prophet’s pass-away through so-called “Islamic” legal schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali). They developed rigid interpretations, often influenced by political and social conditions, where apostasy and blasphemy were seen as threats to the unity and stability of the state. The punishments in later history are post-prophetic developments rooted in political and legal contexts that evolved long after the Prophet.
Muslim Response to Blasphemy According to the Quran
The Qur’an teaches patience and ignoring those who insult Islam:
“It is for sure that; you will be put to a hard test in the matters of your possessions and lives, and you will frequently hear discomforting words from those who were granted the Book before you and from those who interpose others between themselves and God. If you persevere by refraining from doing wrong (they can’t hurt you). Yet, this is a matter of strong determination.”(Al-e Imran 3:186)
That means blasphemy is inevitable and therefore God has already told us what type of attitude we must have in such cases. Below are other commands of God about how we should behave against blasphemers:
“And when you hear the ignorant speak against Our revelations, withdraw from them until they turn to a different topic.” (al-An’am 6:68)
“And bear patiently what they say, and avoid them with gracious avoidance.” (al-Muzzammil 73:10)
“Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with good, and the person who was your enemy becomes like an intimate friend.
But none is granted this (achievement) except those who persevere, and none is granted this (achievement) except those who have a great portion (of goodness). And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in God. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. ”(Fussilat 41:34-36)
The Example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Blasphemy
During his lifetime, Prophet Muhammad was often personally insulted and ridiculed by his opponents. Yet, he responded with forbearance and mercy, based on the Qur’anic teachings of freedom of belief and patience in the face of insults. There are several examples of the Prophet showing forgiveness:
- When the people of Ta’if pelted him with stones and mocked him, he prayed for their guidance rather than seeking vengeance.
- The Prophet forgave Abdullah ibn Ubayy, a known hypocrite who spread slander and blasphemy against him.
Conclusion
- Blasphemy is not punishable by death based on Qur’anic principles.
- During the Prophet Muhammad’s era, Qur’anic principles were upheld and nobody was killed for blasphemy.
- The penalties emerged from later developments, influenced by the need for political unity or societal control, opposing the Qur’an.
- The Prophet’s practice was one of forgiveness and patience. These examples are in line with the messages of the Qur’an.
Our Mission
We must uphold the rulings in the Quran, thus promoting Islam as the source of solutions for humanity. Here is how we can achieve this goal: “Invite to the way of your Master with wisdom and good advice and debate with them in the most dignified manner. Your Master is aware of those who stray from His path, and He is aware of those who are guided. If you were to retaliate, retaliate to the same degree as what is done to you. But if you resort to patience—it is better for the patient. So be patient. Your patience is solely with the help of God. And do not grieve over them, and do not be stressed over what they conspire. Indeed, God is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.”(Ash-Shuara 26:125-128)
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