Torture, Beheading, and Islam
There has been a world-wide outcry against the recent beheadings of
non-Muslims in the Middle East. This is not surprising because there is a
natural human revulsion against such grotesque and vile deeds.
 Likewise, many
Muslims have been condemning the terrifying spectacle of these gruesome and
bloody beheadings.
Justification
Of course, it would, indeed, be rare that anyone would ever argue that it is
permissible to behead an innocent person. A rational person would consider such
an argument moral insanity. This is because it is axiomatic that innocent
persons are never legitimately punished, let alone beheaded. Even the militant
Muslims who are doing the beheadings in the Middle East don’t believe that
innocent persons deserve to be punishment. So, why are they beheading these
non-Muslims? The answer is simple. They don’t believe they were innocent
civilians! For starters, in their view, anyone who has not submitted to Allah
is an infidel. Furthermore, these “infidels” were citizens of nations they
consider to be at war with Islam. In fact, they believe much of the world is at
war with Islam. So, they felt they had ample moral justification for beheading their
victims.
Idealized Muhammad
Surprisingly, Muslims deny that beheadings are permitted by the Qur’an and
the Sunnah. Most Muslims honor an idealized
Prophet of Islam. This prophet is a wonderful man of peace who won over his followers by
his intellectually persuasive teachings and by his compassion and many acts of
mercy and love. So naturally, it is impossible for most Muslims to imagine that
Muhammad ever beheaded or abused anyone in a vicious fashion. They believe that
his marvelous beauty and profound wisdom were so magnificent that people could
not help but turn in willing submission to Allah
He [Allah] sent a Messenger from among themselves to both Arabs and
non-Arabs, who was the most noble of them, the purest of them in nature and
upbringing, the greatest of them in intelligence and forbearance, the most
abundant in knowledge and understanding, the strongest in certainty and
resolution, the one with the greatest compassion and mercy for them.
Allah purified him both in spirit and body and kept him free from all faults
and blemishes and bestowed wisdom and judgement on him. By means of him
Allah opened eyes that were blind, hearts that were covered and ears that
were deaf, and He made people believe in Him. 1
Historical Muhammad
400 Jews
Most nominal Muslims are horrified and outraged by the imagines of someone
being decapitation in the name of Islam. Their moral outrage is perfectly
understandable. By contrast knowledgeable Muslims are not surprised,
because they are better acquainted with the historical record of Muhammad’s
life. They know that Muhammad had many people beheaded. The most ancient Muslim
historian recorded one instance in which Muhammad had as many as 400 Jews
beheaded.
In brief, Muhammad commanded the Khazraj to behead 400 Jews, while the Aus
were to stand aside. This upset the Aus because the Khazraj were having all the
fun. Muhammad noticed that the Aus were sulking like spoiled children. So,
Muhammad let the Aus behead the last twelve Jews. Since there were only twelve
Jews left, Muhammad said two Aus had to share one Jew between themselves. There
were not enough Jews left for each Aus to behead one apiece. Muhammad's
thoughtfulness pacified the Aus. Huwayyis was so favorably
impressed; he proclaimed, “By God, this is indeed a religion,” and he
immediately accepted Islam.
Abu 'Ubayda told me on the authority of Abu 'Amr, the Medinan, when the
apostle got the better of the B. Qurayza he seized about four hundred men
from the Jews who had been allies of Aus against Khazraj, and ordered that
they should be beheaded. Accordingly Khazraj began to cut off their heads
with great satisfaction. The apostle saw that the faces of Khazraj showed
their pleasure, but there was no such indication on the part of Aus, and he
suspected that that was because of the alliance that had existed between
them and the B. Qurayza. When there were only twelve of them left he gave
them over to Aus, assigning one Jew to every two of Aus, saying, 'Let
so-and-so strike him and so-and-so finish him off.' One of those who was so
handed over to them was Ka'b b. Yahudha, who was an important man among
them. He gave him to Muhayyisa and Abu Burda b. Niyar (it was Abu Burda to
whom the apostle had given permission to sacrifice a young goat on the
feast of Adha). He said, 'Let Muhayyisa strike him and Abu Burda finish him
off.' So Muhayyisa fetched him a blow, which did not cut in properly, and
Abu Burda dispatched him and gave him the finishing stroke. Huwayyisa, who
was still an unbeliever, said to his brother, Muhayyisa, 'Did you kill Ka'b
b. Yahudha?', and when he said he did, he said, 'By God, much of the flesh
on your belly comes from his wealth; you are a miserable fellow,
Muhayyisa.' He replied, 'If the one who ordered me to kill him had ordered
me to kill you, I would have done so.' He was amazed at this remark and
went away astounded. They say that he used to wake up in the night
astonished at his brother's words, until in the morning he said, 'By God,
this is indeed a religion.' Then he came to the prophet and accepted Islam.
Muhayyisa then spoke the lines which we have written above. 2
This historical account isn’t some Christian missionary’s tale conjured up to
defame Muhammad. It is the account of the ancient and the most respected Muslim
historian, Ibn Ishaq, who had a deep love and respect for Muhammad. We offer
this historical account because so few Muslims have read Ishaq's Sirat Rasul
Allah. Also, we don’t doubt that Muhammad has many defender who would offer
some justification for these beheadings. There is always some justification
offered for cruelty. Yet, we wonder why some Muslims are willing to excuse
Muhammad’s beheadings while they feel free to condemn Muslims who carried out
lesser crimes today.
"We are ashamed because these terrorists carried out this revolting and
inhumane act in the name of our religion and culture," UAE Information
Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan said in a written statement.
CNN — May 14, 2004
Qur’an
The pre-Islamic Arabians had the custom that tribal relatives could ransom
those who were captured in battle. The ransom that the victors received for a
prisoner was an important source of wealth. Dead combatants were simply not
worth much. So, the prospect of a ransom was a powerful motivation to keep
prisoners of war alive. This custom gave the combatants assurance that they
would not lose their life if they surrendered. They could look forward to being
freed when their ransom was paid.
However, Muhammad told his followers, when they fought Unbelievers, to smite
at their necks at length, meaning that many enemies had to be smitten in the
head or beheaded before cessation of conflict could occur. Not until there had
been much bloodshed and the enemy thoroughly subdued could captives be taken
alive and bound firmly. Only then could generosity be shown (setting free a
captive who accepts Islam) or a ransom be accepted (releasing a captive to a
tribal relative after receiving payment). Lastly Muslims were commanded to
engage perpetually in Jihad until all disbelievers had embraced Islam or had
been subdued by Muslim armies and become a subservient class (dhimmi).
So, when you meet (in fight Jihâd in Allâh's Cause), those who disbelieve
smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them,
then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter
(is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or
ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its
burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out Jihâd
against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm (i.e. are saved from the
punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but
if it had been Allâh's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them
(without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with
others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allâh, He will never let
their deeds be lost, Sura Muhammad 47:4 3
Most Muslims have never read and studied the Qur’an in its historical
context. So, we don’t doubt their sincerity when they condemn the ghastly
beheadings. They seem utterly unaware of the teachings of the Qur’an on this
subject. Yet, in a very real way, while they are condemning the cruelty of
beheading, they are really condemning the teachings of the Qur’an too.
Scholars decry ghastly tactic of beheading: Beheadings gain widespread
attention, but they have no legitimate basis in Quranic ideology. … But
there is little precedent in Islamic holy texts and tradition for carrying
out decapitations, scholars say.
News Day — June 24, 2004
Terror
The purpose for the command to smite above the neck and to cut off the finger
tips was to instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers. This seems to be
the self-explanation of the Qur’an. It is acknowledged that some commentaries
(tafsir) give a soft-touch to this verse (ayah). Certainly, if the obvious
meaning were correct, it would have the effect of instilling terror into the
hearts of Unbelievers! Would an interpretation developed for a Western audience
have the same terrorizing effect?
Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you:
give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the
Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off
them." Anfal Sura 8:12 4
Our Muslims friends ask us to study the Qur’an to see that “God clearly
rejects such actions and condemns people who cannot show mercy and
forgiveness.” Yet, this verse seems to command that the Unbelievers are to be
smitten above the necks and have all their finger tips cut off. Is this verse
showing mercy and forgiveness? Does this verse command brutality and deliberate
acts of unimaginable cruelty in the name of Islam?
While there are people dying in the name of one belief or the other every
day in the Middle East, the pure brutality of such deliberate acts is
unimaginable. ... We ask that you not judge Muslims or Islam by the acts of
these beasts, but please take the time to speak to a knowledgeable Muslim
and find out what Islam is really about. ... We ask that you stop and study
the Quran. You will see that God clearly rejects such actions and condemns
people who cannot show mercy and forgiveness.
Korean Times — June 24, 2004
Kinana
Muhammad drove the Jewish tribe of al-Nadir from the city of Medina, and they
fled to the Jewish settlement of Khaybar. They were allowed to take only what
could be carried upon the backs of their camel. The remainder of their
possession had to be left in Medina with the Muslims. No doubt they took their
gold and silver with them because it is highly valued and could have been
easily transported.
Kinana was the treasurer of the al-Nadir community who was highly regarded
and entrusted with keeping safe their valuable goods. Muhammad and his
companions were looking for booty so they raided the villages of Khaybar
knowing there must be silver and gold there.
Kinana b. al-Rabi', who had the custody of the treasure of B. al-Nadir,
was brought to the apostle who asked him about it. He denied that he knew
where it was. A Jew came (T. was brought) to the apostle and said that he
had seen Kinana going round a certain ruin every morning early. When the
apostle said to Kinana, 'Do you know that if we find you have it I shall
kill you?' he said Yes. The apostle gave orders that the ruin was to be
excavated and some of the treasure was found. When he asked him about the
rest he refused to produce it, so the apostle gave orders to al-Zubayr b.
al-'Awwam, 'Torture him until you extract what he has,' so he kindled a
fire with flint and steel on his chest until he was nearly dead. Then the
apostle delivered him to Muhammad b. Maslama and he struck off his head, in
revenge for his brother Mahmud. 5
Greed — The first thing we notice is that Muhammad was greedy for the
treasures of the Jews of al-Nadir that were in the custody of the honorable
Kinana. Muhammad was not satisfied with driving them from their homes and lands
in Medina, he pursued them because he wanted their gold and silver too.
Threat — Next Muhammad threatened Kinana with death unless he betrayed
the location of the hidden treasures. Kinana was a faithful custodian, and he
was not moved by Muhammad’s ominous threat. Lesser, more cowardly men would
have betrayed the trust to save their own life.
Torture — Thirdly, Muhammad gave the order to torture Kinana, “Torture
him until you extract what he has.” Al-Zubayr started a fire on Kinana’s chest,
nearly burning him to death. Amazing Kinana endured this fiendish fiery torture
without giving into the evil designs of Muhammad.
Beheading — Fourthly, before Kinana was completely dead, Muhammad
delivered him to be beheaded. Muhammad did the worst cruelty he could imagine
against Kinana. Kinana paid the ultimate price for his faithfulness. He did not
survive the cruelty of Muhammad’s Abu Ghraib prison.
Lust — Greed, threat, torture, and beheading don’t complete the story
of Kinana’s death. Muhammad wanted Kinana dead for another reason too; he
lusted after Kinana’s wife, Safiya. Hence, this was another important
motivation to have Kinana killed.
The apostle took captives from them among whom was Safiya d. Huyayy b.
Akhtab who had been the wife of Kinana b. al-Rabi' b. Abu'l-Huqayq, and two
cousins of hers. The apostle chose Safiya for himself.
6
When the apostle had conquered al-Qamus the fort of B. Abu'l-Hugayq,
Safiya d. Huyayy b. Akhtab was brought to him along with another woman.
Bilal who was bringing them led them past the Jews who were slain; and when
the woman who was with Safiya saw them she shrieked and slapped her face
and poured dust on her head. When the apostle saw her he said, 'Take this
she-devil away from me.' He gave orders that Safiya was to be put behind
him and threw his mantle over her, so that the Muslims knew that he had
chosen her for himself. … Now Safiya had seen in a dream when she was the
wife of Kinana … 7
So, motivated by the lust of another man's wife and the greed
of treasure, Muhammad threatened Kinana to yield the gold and silver in his
custody. This
threat did not move Kinana, so Muhammad had him tortured and
finally
beheaded. While Muslims lack intellectual freedom to question the
behavior of Muhammad publicly, we ask them, at least, to evaluate quietly
within themselves the actions of Muhammad. Is this the behavior of a true
prophet of Allah? Does Muhammad's behavior correspond to the idealized
Muhammad acclaimed by Islamic da’wah? If ghastly beheadings were inconsistent
with Islam, why were Muhammad’s acts so contrary to the teachings of Islam. Was
Muhammad a true Muslim?
The brutal beheadings of Nicholas Berg, Paul Johnson and Kim Sun-il are
being been erroneously described as acts of "Islamic militancy." Certainly
they are the actions of terrorists or militants, but they are not acts of
Islam.
Florida Times Union — June 25, 2004
Conclusion
How infinite is moral distance between the Lord Jesus Christ and Muhammad.
Muhammad was a murderer motivated by lust and greed. Jesus Christ was motivated
by love for sinners, so much so that He was willing to be die for them, even
though they were ungodly and enemies of God. Turn to the loving Savior of
sinners and be eternally saved.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ
died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man,
though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God
demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much
more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were
God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how
much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Romans 5:6-10 (NIV)
Last edited 07/05/2004
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