The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) holds an unparalleled position in Islam. His honor and dignity are considered sacred, and defending them is a religious obligation deeply rooted in Islamic law and tradition. Any attempt to defame or insult the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) constitutes a grave offense against faith and the Muslim community. Yet, the Prophet’s own life offers profound examples of restraint, mercy, and justice in the face of personal attacks. This article explores the juristic rulings regarding (the) defamation of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and compares them with His exemplary conduct in situations where He (PBUH) was personally wronged.
Defamation of the Prophet in Islamic Law
Islamic scholars unanimously hold that defaming the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a serious act of disbelief (kufr). If such an act is committed by a Muslim, it constitutes apostasy (ridda), thereby removing the individual from the fold of Islam. Classical jurists based this ruling on the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus (ijma). The authorities in an Islamic state bear the responsibility of upholding the sanctity of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) honor by enforcing the legal penalties.
The prescribed punishment for one who defames the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whether through words or actions, is execution. This ruling applies regardless of the perpetrator’s repentance in this world; while repentance benefits the individual before Allah in the Hereafter, it does not annul the worldly punishment. Such a punishment serves (both) as a deterrent and as a declaration that the Prophet’s honor is inviolable.
If the offender is a non-Muslim living under a treaty (dhimmi or muahad), defaming the Prophet (PBUH) constitutes a violation of that treaty, which may nullify their protected status and render them subject to capital punishment. However, such matters are to be handled solely by the legitimate authorities, not by individuals acting independently.
The Duty of Muslims to Respond to Defamation
Muslims are commanded to display ghayrah protective zeal for their Faith and for the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). When a Muslim hears someone defaming the Prophet, it becomes obligatory to denounce the act firmly and to report it to the authorities if possible. Remaining silent out of fear of further insult or personal harm is regarded as a weak and mistaken approach unless speaking out would clearly result in greater harm to the Muslim community.
The Quranic verse often cited in this context states:
“And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge.” (Al-Annam 6:108)
This verse is often misunderstood as prohibiting all forms of response. In reality, classical scholars clarified that it forbids initiating insults against false gods, as this could provoke ignorant retaliation against Allah. However, when disbelievers begin by insulting Allah or His Messenger (PBUH), Muslims are obliged to respond appropriately to protect the dignity of their faith.
Failure to denounce such insults leads to social corruption and moral decay, as blasphemers become emboldened. Hence, Islamic law not only permits but also encourages a strong, dignified defense of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) honor.
The Prophet’s Example of Forgiveness and Forbearance
While Islamic jurisprudence prescribes severe penalties for defaming the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Prophet himself often displayed extraordinary mercy and restraint during His lifetime. His (PBUH) actions were guided by divine wisdom, balancing justice with compassion, and always prioritizing the greater good of guiding people to the truth.
The Incident of Ḥudaybiyyah and Tan‘īm
During the events leading up to the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and approximately 1,400 of His companions arrived near Mecca in the simple garments of pilgrimage, intending only to perform Umrah. However, the Quraysh misunderstood their intentions, suspecting an invasion.
Anas ibn Malik (R.A) narrated that eighty armed men descended from the mountains of Tanim to attack the Muslims. They were captured, but remarkably, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forgave them and released them without ransom. Allah later revealed regarding this act:
“And it is He who withheld their hands from you and your hands from them within (the area of) Mecca after He caused you to overcome them.” (Al-Fath 48:24)
This verse highlights two divine favors: the foiling of the attack and the Prophet’s inspired act of forgiveness. His compassion transformed hostility into admiration, and demonstrated Islam’s commitment to mercy even towards aggressors.
The Attempted Assassination at Dhat Ar-Riqa
On returning from the Battle of Dhat Ar-Riqa in the seventh year after Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rested under a tree while his companions sought shade nearby. A Bedouin named Al-Ghawrath ibn Al-Ḥarith seized the Prophet’s sword while he slept and, upon awakening, threatened Him with it, saying, “Who will protect you from me?” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied calmly, “Allah.”
Miraculously, the sword fell from the attacker’s hand. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then took the weapon and asked, “Who will protect you from me?” The man pleaded, “Be the better victor.” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forgave him and released him. The man later told his people, “I have come to you from the best of mankind.”
This incident encapsulates the Prophet’s nobility: He demonstrated strength without vengeance, justice tempered with mercy. His forgiveness was not weakness; it was moral authority that conquered hearts.
The Poisoning at Khaybar
Towards the end of his blessed life, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was invited by a Jewish woman from Khaybar named Zaynab bint Al-Harith, who harbored hostility toward Him and sought to poison Him. She prepared a roasted lamb and deliberately placed a deadly poison in the shoulder portion, knowing that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) favored that part of the meat.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ate from it along with some of His companion) until revelation informed Him that the food contained poison. When Zaynab was confronted, she admitted her crime, saying: “I wanted to kill you.” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied: “Allah would never allow you to prevail over Me.”
One of His companions then asked, “O Messenger of Allah, shall we not kill her?” But He (PBUH), embodying His matchless mercy, said: “No,” and forgave her for what she had done to Him.
However, when Bishr ibn Al-Bara (R.A) one of the Sahabi who had eaten from the poisoned lamb later died from its effects, the Prophet (PBUH) allowed her to be handed over to Bishr’s family, who were entitled to legal retribution (qisas) according to Islamic law.
Anas ibn Malik (R.A) reported: “I continued to notice the effect of that poison in the mouth of the Prophet ﷺ until he passed away.” (Sahih Bukhari, no. 2617; Sahih Muslim, no. 2190 | Ibn Hajar, Fath Al-Bari, 7/482–483)
This episode illustrates the Prophet’s distinction between personal forgiveness and judicial justice. He forgave personal wrongs against himself but upheld the rights of others through due legal process.
Balancing Justice and Mercy
Another remarkable instance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) unparalleled mercy was seen in His dealing with Ḥabbar ibn Al-Aswad. During the early migrations from Makkah to Madinah, the Prophet’s daughter Hazrat Zaynab (R.A) set out to join her father. On the way, Ḥabbar chased her and cruelly struck her camel with a spear, causing it to throw her off. The fall resulted in a miscarriage of her unborn child and severe injuries that affected her health for years, ultimately contributing to her death. This incident was deeply painful for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) losing both His first unborn grandchild and later His beloved daughter as a result of this aggression. Yet, when Allah granted him victory at the Conquest of Makkah, and Ḥabbar came humbly seeking forgiveness and pledging repentance, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) despite having every right and the power to retaliate forgave him completely. (Al-Hakim, Al-Mustadrak, no. 2812; authenticated by Al-Dhahabi | Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, 8/11)
These profound moments exemplify the divine mercy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)- a mercy that triumphed over pain, loss, and personal injury. Even when wronged to the deepest degree, He (PBUH) responded with forgiveness and justice, fulfilling Allah’s words:
“We have not sent You except as a mercy to the worlds.”
(Surat Al-Ambiya 21:107)
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) responses to personal harm reveal a fundamental principle in Islamic ethics: justice must be pursued with wisdom, and mercy must guide every action. While Islamic law mandates strict punishment for public blasphemy to protect the sanctity of faith, individual Muslims are taught to emulate the Prophet’s patience and compassion in personal matters.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never sought revenge for Himself. Hazrat Aishah (R.A) said, “The Messenger of Allah never took revenge for Himself, but when the limits of Allah were transgressed, HE would retaliate for the sake of Allah.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
Hence, while defending the Prophet’s honor is an act of faith, it must be carried out through legitimate means and moral conduct that reflect the prophetic example. Emotional outbursts or vigilantism contradict the very character of the Messenger we whom we seek to honor.
Conclusion
Defaming the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is among the gravest acts of disbelief and a violation of the sanctity upheld by all Muslims. Yet, the Prophet’s life stands as the greatest testament to mercy, forgiveness, and restraint. He defended the truth with firmness but forgave personal insults with compassion, always seeking to guide rather than to destroy. always seeking to guide rather than to destroy.
The juristic obligation to protect the Prophet’s honor coexists with the moral imperative to emulate his mercy. Muslims must uphold both defending the Faith through lawful, ethical means while reflecting the gentleness and generosity of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in personal dealings.
The true victory lies not merely in silencing the defamer but in embodying the prophetic character that transforms hearts and dispels ignorance with truth and compassion.
