Arguments from the Hadith

powerful declaration frustrated the plans of the individual and had a far-reaching effect. Let us take an example to understand better the distinction between an ‘apostate’ and a ‘shatim.’ Ibn Taymiyyah writes that Hasan bin Thabit Ansari used to respond to the polytheists of Arabia who attacked the Prophet through poetry. These couplets appeared to the blasphemers even harsher than arrows. To address the ‘shatim,’ a pulpit was arranged in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah specifically for Hassan bin Thabit. From this elevated position, he would recite poetic couplets in defence of the Prophet, countering the blasphemous remarks made by people. This method effectively defended the Prophet against the perpetrators of ‘shatm.’ (As-Sarim al-Maslul, p. 200) This approach appears appropriate when discussing individuals engaged in ‘shatm.’ Let us compare this with the matter of apostates by altering the narrative: “Hasan bin Thabit responded to those who abandoned the religion of the Prophet and became apostates through his poems. For this purpose, a pulpit was placed in Masjid Nabavi, and Hassan would sit upon it, defending the Prophet against these rebellious apostates.” The first method of responding to blasphemers seems meaningful, while the second method does not hold the same weight. Abu Bakr Siddiq, the first caliph, exemplifies that true apostates are confronted through force, specifically the sword. In contrast, countering blasphemers effectively