from the religion of Allah. Removing such people from the Muslims’ path is far better and brings a far greater reward with Allah. If their harm—namely their vile, corrupt, atheistic ideas—can be lifted by refuting and nullifying those ideas, that suffices.

But if that avails nothing, then their necks are to be struck, for Allah the Exalted says: “The only recompense for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption on earth is that they be killed, or crucified, or that their hands and feet be cut off on opposite sides, or that they be banished from the land. Such is their disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter they will have a tremendous punishment” (Al-Ma’idah 5:33).

Regarding the particle “or” in this verse, some scholars say it denotes variation: according to the nature of the crime they may be killed, crucified, have opposite limbs amputated, or be exiled from the land.

Others maintain that “or” conveys choice, so the wali al-amr (person in authority) may select whichever punishment he judges most beneficial: if he wishes he may kill and crucify them; if he wishes he may cut off their right hands and left feet; if he wishes he may banish them from the land. This view is very sound, for a crime may appear minor on the surface yet, over time, become gravely dangerous and mislead the community. Imagine advising the ruler, “This person’s offence is slight—just expel him, that will do,” or, “Cut off his right hand and left foot, that will suffice.” He might reply, “That is not enough; we fear his future harm, and the Muslims will not be safe from his evil unless I execute him.” We would say, “Yes, you have that discretion.” Thus, understanding “or” here as a matter of choice is closer to what is correct than limiting each punishment to a specific offence.

It is therefore obligatory upon those in authority to remove harm from the Muslims’ path, namely