Tabari 9:69 "Killing Unbelievers is a small matter to us" The words of Muhammad, prophet of Islam

Question

A Non-muslim says that Islam is barbaric, and put this before me:

Tabari 9:69 "Killing Unbelievers is a small matter to us" The words of Muhammad, prophet of Islam.

However, he is willing to engage in a healthy discussion. How do i effectively explain to him that his perception is wrong?

what is context of the said statement ? if it is in war where Muslims are attacked by Unbelievers, then there is nothing wrong in statement. — Shafeek, Jan 26 '15 at 14:42
@Ziyad that's what i want to know. As i have mentioned, i am unfamiliar with this hadith. So i request background so that i could answer him — Abdul Wasae, Jan 26 '15 at 14:55
Hello and welcome to [islam.se]. We generally require questions to show some effort. And this doesn't (http://www.frontpagemag.com/2013/david-solway/re-interpreting-the-koran/). Plus how do you explain effectively is a quite opinion-based, the type of question this site is not meant for. Please go through [ask] and the [help/on-topic]. — Bleeding Fingers, Jan 27 '15 at 23:13
Kafir or Ahl al-Kitāb? Just FYI, other religions have acted similarly even though they may not have explicitly said it. For example the Crusades, Abyssinia vs Somalia, Buddhist uprising, etc. — Dan Andrews, Jan 28 '15 at 17:12
possible duplicate of How do we reconcile the apostasy ruling with Al-Baqarah 2:256 — servant-of-Wiser, Apr 14 '15 at 10:56
related Is punishment for leaving Islam death? and Punishment for apostasy in Islam and there are many other related questions. — servant-of-Wiser, Apr 14 '15 at 10:59

a_fan · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-20T05:16:04.790

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As far as I have researched these are words of Thabit b. Qays b. Shammas not that of the Prophet (PBUH). The Arabic text is available here and the English translation here:

ومن كفر جاهدناه في الله أبدا وكان قتله علينا يسيرا

as for the one who disbelieves, we will fight him forever in the cause of God and killing him is a small matter to us

The sentence was spoken when a deputation of Banu Tamim visited the Prophet after the conquest of Mecca to compete in oratory. Therefore, it was just rhetoric.

edited Nov 20 '20 at 05:16

answered Apr 20 '15 at 15:34

a_fan

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I disagree with a_fan. It is understood that if the silence of the prophet signifies that an action or statement is approved by him. That is the concept of silent approval in several Ahadith. So I think that this statement by Thabit bin Qays completely represents islam – Oct 09 '16 at 22:09
@user19635 - This is your flawed and biased approach towards Islam. You have to understand the proper context of the narration. – Ren Nov 21 '20 at 08:53
It would be better if you can provide the complete context of the narration. – Ren Nov 21 '20 at 08:54
@user19635 - There is no such thing as "silent approval" in Hadith sciences. You are acting as if you are a Hadith expert. – Ren Nov 21 '20 at 09:02
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@user19635 - These are the words of Thabit B. Qays, not Prophet (Sallallahu'alayhiwassalam) of Islam. – Ren Nov 21 '20 at 09:04

Mozibur Ullah · Answer 2 · 2020-11-20T09:51:49.383

Hadith are graded in authenticity as sahih, hassan, da'if and mawdu from the most authentic to the unreliable. But the Qu'ran itself outranks the Hadith, being the uncreated words of Allah Himself.

And in Q.5:48, we have

For each of you We have appointed a divine law and a way of life. Had Allah so willed He could have made you one people; but so that He might try you by that which he has bestowed upon you [He willed otherwise]. Therefore, compete in doing good. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will enlighten you concerning that wherein he differ

This explains itself and needs no explanation.

Tabari 9:69 "Killing Unbelievers is a small matter to us" The words of Muhammad, prophet of Islam

2 Answers2