IBN TAYMIYYAH’S BOOK

argues that we must ensure that blasphemers are killed without hesitation. However, it would be naive to interpret the Prophet’s words literally. Instead, the phrase “Muhammad kills his Companions” symbolizes the idea that Islam harms its followers. In today’s world, this concern exists with even greater intensity, emphasizing the continued relevance of this prophetic practice. The task at hand is to refrain from killing a person, even if they deserve it in a legal sense because their death could be exploited to discredit Islam and portray it as a barbaric religion. Such misrepresentation would deter people from engaging with the message of Islam, hindering them from receiving divine mercy. This Sunnah of the Prophet highlights that maintaining a positive image of Islam takes precedence over all other considerations. The Prophet did not execute even the most wicked individuals, as doing so would have engendered hatred towards Islam among the masses. In his book, Ibn Taymiyyah recounts this incident but fails to grasp that the Prophet’s action contradicts his viewpoint. Ibn Taymiyyah argues that killing the blasphemer is an essential requirement of the religion. However, the Prophet’s Sunnah demonstrates that there is a more significant concern to consider: safeguarding Islam from becoming a subject of ridicule rather than admiration. If there is a risk that the image of Islam may be tarnished, it is preferable to spare the blasphemer’s life rather than bring infamy upon Islam. Ibn Taymiyyah asserts in his book that the Quran commands