IBN TAYMIYYAH’S BOOK

IBN TAYMIYYAH’S BOOK Muslims to engage in Jihad, both with their wealth and lives. He highlights that Jihad can be carried out not only through physical actions but also through the power of one’s words. According to him, the Jihad of the tongue is even more potent than other forms. In support of this, Ibn Taymiyyah cites the Prophet’s instruction to engage in Jihad against the polytheists using one’s hands, tongues, and wealth. 3. He mentions an incident involving Hassan bin Thabit, whom the Prophet tasked to engage in Jihad against the polytheists through his poetry. A pulpit was set up for Hassan in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, where he defended the Prophet through his couplets, countering the insults of the polytheists. The Prophet prayed for Hassan’s assistance with the Holy Spirit and declared that Gabriel was with him during his defence of the Messenger. Hassan’s powerful verses acted as sharp arrows that subdued the polytheists and deterred them from harassing the Muslims. From this story, Ibn Taymiyyah concludes that verbal denigration is even more impactful than physical attacks. Therefore, according to his viewpoint, anyone who insults the Prophet with words should be executed, considering it akin to attacking him with arrows and swords. However, a more appropriate interpretation of this story would be that the power of words can be a potent weapon in countering criticism and defending Islam. Rather than advocating for punishment, Ibn Taymiyyah should have emphasized the use of poetry and prose to subdue those who criticize Islam or the Prophet. Following the Prophet’s