Is Violent Retaliation Permissible in Islam for Blasphemy?

08 October, 2025
Q What are the Islamic rulings and appropriate responses when a person publicly insults the Prophet and denies the legitimacy of a people or land (e.g., Palestine)? Is violent retaliation permissible, or should responses be limited to lawful, judicial, and peaceful measures?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

No. Islam forbids private acts of revenge for blasphemy or insults to the Prophet. Punishment, if applicable, must be carried out only by lawful authorities after due process. The Prophet himself responded to insults with patience, mercy, and prayer for guidance—showing that justice in Islam combines fairness with compassion.


Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

Your pain, noble and deep, is a testament to your living heart and unwavering faith. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), for every Muslim, is the most beloved after Allah Himself. Your ache is a reflection of this profound love.

But love must follow the Prophet’s way.

Islam does not permit taking the law into our own hands. Punishment—if any—is the work of recognized courts and due process, not private retaliation. This is justice, not weakness.

What Scholars Affirm About Responding to Blasphemy

  • No vigilantism: Private revenge is forbidden and harms society.
  • Due process: Serious cases are handled by lawful authorities, with evidence and the right to a defense.
  • Protect the innocent: Do nothing that traumatizes bystanders or families.
  • Room for repentance: Our law pairs justice with mercy.

How to honor the Prophet (peace be upon him)

  • Use lawful channels: Report through appropriate legal and community routes.
  • Embody his character: He met insults with patience, dignity, and prayer for guidance.
  • Educate wisely: Share his life and teachings; knowledge heals ignorance.
  • Turn to Allah: Make Du`a for justice, guidance, and a calm, wise heart.

Patience and Justice Reflect True Love for the Prophet

Your response is your witness. Choosing patience over rage and lawful process over retaliation is not just a response; it is a reflection of the Prophet’s Sunnah. It is a powerful way to honor his character and promote justice. May Allah guide us to respond in this manner, make us true ambassadors of his character, guide those who speak in ignorance, and protect our communities from harm.

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Almighty Allah knows best.

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada