‘GREATER PUNISHMENT’

positively with valid counter-arguments to negative words holds greater significance than taking their lives. 2. Abdullah bin al-Ziba’ra was a prominent poet of Makkah known for his intelligence and insolence. During the time in Makkah, a verse was revealed in the Quran stating, “You and what you worship instead of God will be fuel for Hell” (21:98). Upon reciting this verse to the people of Makkah, Abdullah bin al-Ziba’ra made a statement to Prophet Muhammad, questioning whether those worshipped alongside God would be in Hell along with their followers. He drew a comparison, mentioning that just as we worship angels, Jews worship Ezra (the Prophet), and Christians worship Jesus, the son of Mary. The statement made by Abdullah bin al-Ziba’ra was indeed provocative as it involved mocking and insulting God, the angels, and the Prophets. However, his words did not provoke the Prophet, nor did he instruct his Companions to consider it an unforgivable crime deserving of death. Instead, the Prophet responded positively and seriously, stating that those who desire to be worshipped alongside God would be in the company of those who worship them. (Tafsir al-Tabari, Vol. 16, p. 418) Although Abdullah bin al-Ziba’ra had committed blasphemy, the Prophet’s reasonable response rendered his words meaningless. When Makkah was conquered in the 8th year after Hijrah, Abdullah fled to Najran. His conscience told him that he had committed a crime that could lead to his execution. However, his escape did not bring him peace of