Arguments from the Hadith

defamation, raising objections and attempting to cast doubt on the faith that people follow. In other words, blasphemy criticizes the belief system, highlights unfounded flaws in religion, and raises objections against it. Therefore, while the punishment of the apostate may resolve the problem at hand, the impact of blasphemy cannot be eradicated merely by killing the blasphemer. The effects of blasphemy will persist until misconceptions are dispelled through rational arguments. Let us consider an example from chapter 108 of the Quran. In Arabic, the word ‘Abtar’ means to be cut off. Thus, if a person is without offspring, they are called ‘Abtar’ in Arabic. Since Prophet Muhammad did not have male descendants, the people of Makkah derogatorily referred to him as ‘Abtar,’ implying that his lineage would not continue after him. There was a prominent polytheist named Al-‘As bin Wa’il who, whenever the Prophet’s name was mentioned in his presence, would dismissively say, “Leave him alone. He has no male child.” This derogatory statement implied that the Prophet would have no heirs to carry on his message after his death. This was a clear instance of blasphemy. This misconception about the Prophet being ‘Abtar’ (without descendants) was spreading among the people in Makkah. Influenced by this false propaganda, many individuals hesitated to believe in him. The solution to this issue did not lie in killing individuals like Al-‘As bin Wa’il and others who shared similar views.