Understanding Islam — Page 200
WHAT IS SHARIAH? 198 Here the Muslims are clearly commanded that if someone commits blasphemy and makes fun of their faith, or God, or even Prophet Muhammad sa himself, he should just turn away and leave such a place where blasphemy is being committed. At no occasion are Muslims instructed to become violent or react aggressively. A great form of blasphemy for Muslims today is one made against the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. The Holy Quran specifically mentions this, too, when it quotes the words of ‘Abdull ā h bin Ubayy bin Sal ū l, who is known in the history of Islam as the chief of the hypocrites. Once, when returning from an expedition, ‘Abdull ā h said in front of others that the moment they return to Mad ī nah, the noblest among them would expel the meanest among them. The Holy Quran records this as follows: They say, ‘If we return to Mad ī nah, the one most honourable will surely drive out therefrom the one most mean;’ while true honour belongs to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers; but the hypocrites know not. 19