Does Islam warrant the killing of those who insult its prophet?
1 Answer
The Prophet (saw) had ordered for a poetress to be assassinated who had written poetry insulting him. There is allowance for critique, questioning and commentary in Islam. However it does not allow for insults, abuse or other uncivilised behaviour and for those who insult or abuse God or his Prophet it is a capital offence. The point that often gets missed is that the Prophet was the head of a state - and it is only the state can exercise force, with due judicial processes in place. Individuals are not permitted to utilise force or violence. Thus, viewed in this context Islam's take is little different to those of most modern states. Worse, modern states like the US recently ordered the assassination of one of its citizens in Yemen, Anwar Awlaki. Why? Simply for criticism of US foreign policy!
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The Prophet (saw) had ordered for a poetress to be assassinated who had written poetry insulting him. There is allowance for critique, questioning and commentary in Islam. However it does not allow for insults, abuse or other uncivilised behaviour and for those who insult or abuse God or his Prophet it is a capital offence. The point that often gets missed is that the Prophet was the head of a state - and it is only the state can exercise force, with due judicial processes in place. Individuals are not permitted to utilise force or violence. Thus, viewed in this context Islam's take is little different to those of most modern states. Worse, modern states like the US recently ordered the assassination of one of its citizens in Yemen, Anwar Awlaki. Why? Simply for criticism of US foreign policy!
