Patience with Insults?!?

In relation to those who insult Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a lot of Muslims are starting to say that we should not become angry or respond; instead, we should just be patient and not say anything, citing a verse from the Qur’an in which Allah says, 

“…You will certainly hear from the People of the Book before you and the Mushrikeen a lot of hurtful things, but if you remain patient and fear Allah, that will be a determining factor in all affairs.” (Translated meaning of 3:186)

What’s shocking is that this verse is falsely being used to justify doing exactly what Shaytan wants us to do whenever we see an evil – which is to remain silent and not do anything. But the masses should not be blamed. Rather, it is the misguided “scholars” who are teaching this to them who are to blame.

 

According to the tafseer (explanation) of this verse in Tafseer at-Tabari (one of the most renowned and earliest books of tafseers) as well as Tafseer al-Baghawi, both books contain a narration from az-Zuhri who said that this verse was revealed about Ka’b bin al-Ashraf.

In case you didn’t know, Ka’b used to insult the Prophet (peace be upon him) as well as the believing women in the form of poetry. This really upset the Companions, so Allah told them to be patient and steadfast (a decision would soon come). Then the Prophet (pbuh) was given revelation. He said, in an authentic hadeeth,

“Who will deal with Ka’b bin al-Ashraf? Verily, he has harmed Allah and His Messenger!” Muhammad bin Maslamah, the famous Companion, replied, “I will, oh Messenger of Allah! Would you like me to kill him?” The Prophet (pbuh) replied, “Yes.” [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

The next day, after Ka’b was killed, a group of Jews from al-Madinah came to the Prophet and complained about his “assassination.” They said that Ka’b (who was also a Jew) had not committed a crime and was wrongfully killed. The Prophet (pbuh) replied, “He has harmed us with his poetry, and none of you will do this except that we will deal with him by the sword.”

 

So using this verse as an excuse to not respond or at least condemn those who insult Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) is clearly wrong and not what the Prophet and his Companions did. 

 

The scholars today have a responsibility to make clear the correct ruling on defaming the Prophet, concerning which there is clear consensus.