Here are the verses and hadiths that explain how Muslims should behave upon the aggression against Islam:

Verses draw the three critical lines:

1. Battling against Muslims due to their religion
2. Driving Muslims out of their homes
3. Supporting the ones driving Muslims out

We cannot make friends with or exhibit sympathy to the ones that cross these lines.

“Allah forbids you not, showing kindness and love to those who have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you forth from your homes. Allah loves those who are equitable. Allah only forbids that you make friends of the ones who have fought against you on account of your religion, who have driven you out of your homes, and have helped others in driving you out, and whosoever makes friends of them — it is these that are the transgressors.“ (Al-Mumtahanah/The Examined One 60/8–9)

Muslims battled against and overcame the Meccans who had attacked them at Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. In the sixth year of Hijrat -Migration to Madinah-, Muslims and Meccans had made a treaty of ten years at Hudaibiya. However, Meccans have abrogated the treaty. Mecca was conquered in the eighth year of Hijrat by the army of our Prophet (s.a.w.) but the war criminal Meccans who abrogated the treaty, were not  disturbed for fifteen months.^[1] Those Meccans were warned strictly by the following verses revealed in the ninth year of Hijrat:

“This is a declaration of last admonition from Allah and His Messenger to the polytheists (mushrikun) with whom you had made a treaty:

So travel freely, throughout the land [during] four months but know that you cannot cause failure to Allah and that Allah will disgrace the disbelievers.

And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the Great Pilgrimage that Allah is disassociated from the disbelievers, and so is His Messenger. So if you repent, that is best for you; but if you turn away – then know that you will not cause failure to Allah . And give tidings to those who disbelieve of a painful punishment.

Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything nor supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the ones who protect themselves.

And when the forbidden months have passed ^[2], then kill those polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit and wait for them at every place of ambush. But should they repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, then let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (At-Tawbah/The Repentance 9/1-5)

The judgement in these verses relates merely to the war criminal polytheists (mushrikun), who had not only crossed the three critical lines but also had caused war by abrogating the treaty. It does not include other non-Muslims. Although there may be other arguments emerged due to political pressure, they are not acceptable when investigated in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah.

CONVERTING FROM ISLAM / APOSTASY – Irtidad, Murtad-

The Glorified Allah commands as follows for the apostates -ones who abandon Islam and become infidels (kafir)-:

“O you who believe! Whoso among you turns back from his religion, then let it be known that in his stead Allah will soon bring a peopile whom He will love and who will love Him, and who will be kind and humble towards believers, hard and firm against disbelievers. They will strive in the cause of Allah and will not fear the reproach of a faultfinder. That is Allah’s grace; He bestows it upon whosoever deserves it; and Allah is Bountiful, All- Knowing.” (Al-Maeda/ The Feast 5/54)

Narrated by Muqatil B. Sulaiman (d:150/767) that twelve people had converted from Islam to become infidels (kafir) and had set out on their way from Medinah to Mecca with their minds complicated and arrived in Mecca. One of them, Harith B. Suwayd, later regretted what he did and changed his mind by sending a letter to his brother Julas: “I have repented and converted back to Islam. Ask the Messenger of Allah if I have the right to repent, or I will go to Damascus.” Julas informed our Prophet of the situation, but could not get an answer. The following verses have been revealed afterwards:^[3]

“How shall Allah guide a people who have disbelieved after believing and who had borne witness that the Messenger was true when clear proofs had come to them? ^[4] And Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.

Those – their recompense will be that upon them is the curse of Allah and the angels and the people, all together. Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor shall they be reprieved. Except those who repent thereafter and amend. And surely, Allah is Most Forgiving and Merciful.” (Al-e-Imran/ The House of Imran 3/86-89)

There is no punishment people will impose on apostates. Their punishment is the curse of Allah, angels and the people. Should any of them repent,  it deprives those people of curse. Although this is the clear judgement about apostates, madhabs have consensus on the idea that they should be killed. The cause of this result, should be political pressure.

AGGRESSION AGAINST ISLAM

The core of religion is belief where basis of belief is confirmation of heart. Confirmation of heart is known by the person himself/herself  and by Allah only. Inside the heart is where freedom is endless. Therefore, nobody can be forced either to accept or to refuse any belief. The Glorified Allah commands:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Surely right stands out clear from wrong. Whosoever refuses to be led by those transgressors and believes in Allah, has surely grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Al-Baqara/ The Cow 2/256)

People may consent or refuse to believe in a religion. Whoever chooses the wrong one, bears the consequences. To reveal the truth, discussions or even arguments must be made. Such arguments are not in the scope of criminal law. Their consequences should be faced. The Glorified Allah commands:

“You will surely be put to test in respect of your properties and lives. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and guard yourselves – indeed, that is of the matters of determination.” (Al-e Imran/The House of Imran 3/186)

Since abuse and insult are not marked by the three lines mentioned in the eighth and ninth verses of Surah Al-Mumtahinah , Muslims should be patient, cautious and determined in these cases.

VERBAL RESPONSE TO VERBAL ATTACK

The Messenger of Allah and Muslims used to be abused verbally very often. Especially attacks of poets were rather effective. Our Prophet used to respond to them with the poems of Muslim poets, such as Hassan b. Sabit, Kab b. Malik, Abdullah b. Revaha. The Messenger of Allah had prayed for Hassan b. Sabit, who was in service of Islam with his poems, to Allah: “Oh my Glorified Allah, support him with the Holy Spirit!”

Apparently, the only response to verbal attacks should be verbal.

RELATIONS WITH HYPOCRITES

The Messenger of Allah has suffered much from the hypocrites who converted to Islam and then returned; but he did not punish them in any ways. The Surah Al-Munafiqun is important from this aspect. The Glorified Allah commands:

“When those hypocrites came to you, they said ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.’ And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, but Allah bears witness that those hypocrites are surely liars. They have made their oaths a shield and withdrawn from the Path of Allah. Truly evil are their deeds! That is because they first believed, then covered up their belief. Then a new structure formed in their heart, so that they no longer understand. When you look at them, the forms of their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as pieces of timber propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. May Allah destroy them! How are they mislead to lie!

And when it is said to them, ‘Come, that the Messenger of Allah may ask forgiveness for you,’ they turn their heads aside, and you see them keeping back while they are full of pride. It is equal, whether you ask forgiveness for them or not. Allah will never forgive them. Surely Allah guides not the mischief makers.

They it is who said, ‘Spend not on those who are with the Messenger of Allah that they may disperse and leave him;’ while to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth; but those hypocrites understand not. They also said, ‘When we return to Medinah, the one most powerful will surely drive out therefrom the one weakest;’ while true power belongs to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers; but the hypocrites know not.” (Al-Munafiqun/ The Hypocrites 63/1-8)
Zeyd b. Erkam told the following about these verses: “We were on a battle with the Messenger of Allah. The army was suffering. Abdullah b. Ubeyy said to his friends: ‘Spend not on those who are with the Messenger of Allah that they may disperse and leave him. When we return to Medinah, the one most powerful will surely drive out therefrom the one weakest.’. I reported this to the Messenger of Allah immediately. He called and questioned Abdullah b. Ubeyy, who swore that he had not said it.  They ascribed lie to me which was so heavy. Then, Allah revealed the Surah Al-Munafiqun.” ^[5]

Elmalili Muhammed Hamdi Yazir gives information on this subject that can be summarized as:

“Abdulah was respected in his tribe; he was from the old ones. Useyd b. Hudayr came and said: ‘Oh the Messenger of Allah, do not mind him, be kind to him. I swear that his tribe was beading for his coronation when Allah sent you. He sees as if You have deprived him of his kingship.’ ”

Abdullah, the son of Abdullah b. Ubeyy was a pure believer. When he learned what his father had done, he came near the Messenger of Allah and said: “Oh the Messenger of Allah, I heard that You would like to have my father dead due to his words that reached you. If You will, just order me and I will bring it to you. I swear, the whole Hazrec people know that there is no other more respectful to his father than I am. I am afraid that you order somebody else and he murders my father, then I cannot bear to see him wandering in public and kill him. Then I will have killed a believer for a hypocrite and stay in hell forever.”

The Messenger of Allah replied:

“No, we will treat him kindly as long as he is amongst us.” ^[6]

Although Abdullah’s behaviour is utterly evil, our Prophet had behaved him gently since his behaviour did not cross the three critical lines mentioned in the verses. Such people are disturbed by the facts. Behaving them kindly inspite of the consensus that they are in the wrong way, causes them to lead to loneliness. Even their supporters leave them. Thus the gentle behaviour of our Prophet had caused the people around Abdullah to choose Islam.

THE PUNISHMENT OF ABUSING THE PROPHET

Allah will punish the ones who abuse or attack the Prophet. The Glorified Allah commands:

“And certainly were messengers denied before you, but they were patient over [the effects of] denial and persecution until, until Our aid did reach them. And none can alter the words of Allah . And there has certainly come to you some information about those messengers.” (Al-An’am/ Livestock 6/34)

“Indeed, those who abuse Allah and His Messenger – Allah has cursed them in this world and the Hereafter and prepared for them a humiliating punishment.” (Al-Ahzab/ The Allies 33/57)

Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz BAYINDIR
İ.Ü. Faculty of Divinity Professor
Süleymaniye Foundation – Religion and Creation’s Dispositions Centre President

^[1].      Muhammed Hamidulah, Islam Peygamberi, Ankara 2003, vol. II, p. 271, paragraph 451.
^[2].      The warning above was made at Dhul Hijjah, the last of the forbidden months. The forbidden months here, are not known forbidden (haram) months (Al-Ash-hur-ul-Hurum) but four months specified in the second verse. They are called forbidden (haram) since related parties are untouchable during that period.
^[3].      Tefsiru Mukatil b. Sulaiman, Tahkik: Ahmed Ferid, Beirut 1424/2002, vol. I, p. 180-181.
^[4].       و جائهم البينات is supposed to be a declarative sentence
^[5].      Bukhari, Tefsir, Surah Al-Munafiqun 4.
^[6].     Muhammed Hamdi YAZIR, Hak Dini Kur’an Dili, vol, VI, p. 5005–5008.

Hence, if two groups of believers fall to fighting, make peace between them; but then, if one of the two [groups] goes on acting wrongfully towards the other, fight against the one that acts wrongfully until it reverts to Allah’s commandment; and if they revert, make peace between them with justice, and deal equitably [with them]: for verily, Allah loves those who act equitably! All believers are but brethren. Hence, [whenever they are at odds,] make peace between your two brethren, and remain conscious of Allah, so that you might be graced with His mercy. (Al-Hujurat/ The Chambers 49/9-10)

Maintaining an attitude which Allah forbids, instead of obeying Allah, is unacceptable. Allah orders that relations with non-Muslims must be like in the following verse:

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. O you Prophet, seek protection in Allah, and follow not the wishes of the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, Wise. And follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. Verily Allah is well aware of what you do. (Al-Ahzab/The Allies 33/1-3)

The Glorified Allah commands:

“Allah does not forbid you respecting and appreciating those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you away from your homelands, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves those who are grateful. Allah only forbids you respecting those who made war upon you because of (your) religion, and drove you away from your homelands and backed up (others) in your expulsion. Whoever makes friends with them, those are the unjust”.  (Mumtahane 60/8-9).

According to these verses there are three redlines to be valued in the relationship with Non-Muslims.

1-      Their war against our religion.

2-      Their concrete effort to drive us away from our homes and homelands.

3-      Their support towards those who drive us away from our lands.

We do not establish friendship with those who cross these redlines.

Tevbe/ Immunity 5^th Verse.

“So when the sacred months have passed away, (the recognized 4 month- long- period) then slay the polytheists wherever you find them, and catch them and imprison them and lie in wait for them in every ambush. Then, if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate (zekat), leave their way free to them. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” (Tevbe/ 9/5)

It’s maintained that the relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims is established by this verse. This verse is one of that group of verses related with the last ultimatum given to the Mecca’s polytheists who crossed all the three redlines, broke the Peace Treaty of Hudaibiya, were claimed  untouchable for one year, and finally profited another four-month-long period in peace. These decrees are inapplicable for as long as there are no similar circumstances. It’s not correct to give other meanings to this verse.

Non-Muslim’s Insult

The Glorified Allah commands:

“You shall certainly be tried with a difficult test in the matter of your wealth and your souls, and you shall certainly hear from those who have been given the Scripture before you and from those who are polytheists much annoying words; it’s impossible to escape from that. And, if you are patient and protected (by yourselves); this is one of the affairs which require determination.” (Ali –İmran/The House of Imran, 3/186)

As clarified in this verse, it is not recommended another way against annoying words and insults that are not part of the actions mentioned as redlines, but the patience, providence and determination.

Our Prophet, Mohammed (p.b.u.h), never took any action against the hypocrites, which at first became Muslims and later turned away from the religion and were the source of many troubles for Him and for the Muslims. The Surah Munafikin is very important in relation to this issue.

The Glorified Allah commands:

“The hypocrites came to you.  “We bear witness that you are most surely Allah’s Messenger” they said. Allah most surely knows that you are His Messenger, but Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are surely liars. They make their oaths a shelter, and thus turn away from Allah’s way. Surely evil is that which they do!… That is because at first they believed, then disbelieved. So a different structure/ a seal is set upon their hearts, so that they do not understand.  And when you see them, their look will please you.  If they speak, you will listen to their speech. (they are) as if they were big pieces of wood clad with garments. They think every noise is against them. They are the enemy. Beware of them. May Allah destroy them, they are so liars!

And when it is said to them: Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you”, they turn back their heads.  You may see them turning away while they are big with pride.
 İt is the same to them whether you beg forgiveness for them or do not beg forgiveness for them. Allah will never forgive them. Because, Allah does not guide the transgressing people.
They it is who say: Do not spend upon those who are with the Messenger of Allah, until they break up and go away.  Allah’s are the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand. They said : “Let’s  return to Medina, the mighty will surely drive out the weaker from there. But, the might belongs to Allah and to His Messenger  and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know. (Munafikun 63/1-8)

Zaid bin Erkam, in relation to these verses explained the story below: We went to a battle together with Allah’s Messenger. The army was very concerned. Abdullah bin Ubeyy said to his men:  Don’t give anything (to eat etc.) to those who are near the Messenger, so they will break up and go away. Let’s return first to Medina. The mighty will surely drive out the weaker from there.

Immediately I went near the Messenger and explained to Him what I heard.  Right after, He called Abdullah bin Umeyy and interrogated him about this words. But Abdullah bin Umeyy swore and said that he hadn’t told such a thing. “Zaid has lied” , he said. That was so hard for me. After sometimes Allah revealed the Sura Munafikin.

Elmalili Muhammed Hamdi Yazir in this topic says briefly:

Abdullah was a honored man inside his people.  Usaid bin Hudair came and said: O Messenger of Allah! Don’t care about him and be polite with him. I swear that when Allah selected you as His Messenger, Abdullah’s people were preparing the crown for him. So, he thinks you took away his kingship.

Abdullah bin Umeyye’s son was a virtuous believer. When he learned what his father had said, he came near The Messenger and told: “O Messenger! İ heard that you want to kill Abdullah bin  Ubeyy as a result of his words. If you want to do this, command me and İ will bring you his head. I swear to God as all Hazradj is aware of that in these lands there is no other son more respectful to his father than me. İ fear that if you order someone else to murder him, he would murder my father and I, later, would not be able to support seeing the murderer of my father walking around and İ would kill him, too. In this case İ would be the killer of a believer in response to the murdering of a disbeliever and for this reason I would be thrown to fire. 

The Messenger of Allah said: “No! We have to behave him well.  We have to behave him well as long as he is among us.”

Regardless the fact the behavior of Abdullah was too bad, the Messenger of Allah in compliance with the verses mentioned above behaved well toward him as he had not crossed one of the redlines. These kinds of people are mostly disturbed by the mentioning of the truth. Just like it has been reflected in the verses above, after their incorrect behaviors have been proclaimed in details and they have been condemned by the public opinion, which agrees that they should be righteously punished, being nice to them makes of these people solitary individuals as even their companions start to abandon them. Likewise, the good behavior of the prophet, made the people near Abdullah convert to Islam.

The Murdering of the ones who abandon Islam and Offend the Prophet

The expression mentioned in the previous verse ‘…at first they believed, then disbelieved …..’ clearly demonstrates that these individuals are murted. Despite the commands clearly expressed in this and other similar verses all sects have unanimously concluded that the murted should be murdered.

Regardless the fact that the verses include no other command beside: ‘They are the enemy. Beware of them’, once more, without demonstrating any steady evidence the sects have unanimously concluded that the people who insult, offend, or denigrate the Prophet should be murdered.

Today, the major and most emergent problem is the leading of Muslims to the Quran line.