Question
Hi. I have some questions. First this narration: “A group of eight men from the tribe of ‘Ukil came to the Prophet and then they found the climate of Medina unsuitable for them. So, they said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Provide us with some milk.’ Allah’s Apostle said, ‘I recommend that you should join the herd of camels.’ So they went and drank the urine and the milk of the camels (as a medicine) till they became healthy and fat. Then they killed the shepherd and drove away the camels, and they became unbelievers after they were Muslims. When the Prophet was informed by a shouter for help, he sent some men in their pursuit, and before the sun rose high, they were brought, and he had their hands and feet cut off. Then he ordered for nails which were heated and passed over their eyes, and they were left in the Harra (i.e. rocky land in Medina). They asked for water, and nobody provided them with water till they died.” (Hadith, Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 261: Narrated by Anas bin Malik.)
Why would the Prophet Muhammad prescribe such a brutal punishment? And please explain these verses: Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time: They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy). (Ahzaab 60-61) Why the killing without mercy? And why does Islam say the Jews are the enemies of Muslims: [5:82] You will find that the worst enemies of the believers are the Jews and the idol worshipers. And you will find that the closest people in friendship to the believers are those who say, “We are Christian.” This is because they have priests and monks among them, and they are not arrogant. Judaism is actually closer to Islam than Christianity! And are there any narrations of Muhammad showing kindness to non-muslims? I would like to see a list of narrations, please. Someone claiming to be mercy to all mankind should have a long list of incidents showing kindness to all people regardless of religion. Please give me authentic narrations only.
Thanks.
Answer
As it relates to the hadith regarding the people of `Ukl (or Uraina) please see the following link: A Case of a Severe Punishment Delivered by the Prophet (pbuh).
Regarding surah Al Ahzab it should be clear that the words, “without mercy” are not in the Qur’an but rather the translator’s addition as indicated by the parentheses. This punishment again relates to the Laws of God towards the rejecters of Truth even when it comes to them in the clearest light. For more information on this please see the following link: Itmam al-Hujjah of the Offspring of Abraham (pbuh) and Their Dominance.
As it relates to the Qur’anic verse relating to the Jewish tribes please see the following: Is the Qur’an Anti-Jewish? – Al Ma’idah 5:82
As for your request regarding the Prophet’s kindness it may help you if you could get your hands on a good source of the Prophet’s biography. My personal recommendations are “The Life of Muhammad” by Muhammad Husayn Haykal and “Sirat-un-nabi: The Life of the Prophet (peace by upon him)” by Muhammad Shibli Numani. One thing that would be important to keep in mind is that the Prophet Muhammad had a Divine mission to accomplish. This mission consisted of two parts; bringing the message of Islam to people and delivering God’s punishment on those who rejected the Truth purposefully. His kindness is replete in his biography, however, this should not be confused with his mission as it arrived to its second stage. Thorough research should be done to understand this concept clearly.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.