The Quranic Commands
Two verses in the Quran explicitly command Muslims to strike the necks of disbelievers—a clear reference to beheading. These are not metaphorical verses; they describe literal warfare tactics.
"[Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, 'I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.'" — Quran 8:12
"So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds..." — Quran 47:4
The Arabic Terms
The Arabic phrase fa-ḍribū fawqa l-aʿnāqi (فَاضْرِبُوا فَوْقَ الْأَعْنَاقِ) in 8:12 literally means "strike above the necks." The phrase fa-ḍribū l-riqābi (فَاضْرِبُوا الرِّقَابِ) in 47:4 means "strike the necks." Both refer to decapitation in battle.
Classical Interpretation
Ibn Kathir's Commentary
The renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir explained Quran 47:4: "When you meet them in battle, do not be weak-hearted against them, but strike their necks powerfully until you have killed and wounded many of them." He interpreted this as a command to kill disbelievers by striking their necks.
Al-Tabari's View
Al-Tabari, another major classical commentator, confirmed that these verses commanded literal beheading in warfare. He cited the example of the Battle of Badr, where Muslims beheaded captured enemies.
Historical Application
The Banu Qurayza Massacre
The most infamous example of mass beheading in early Islamic history occurred after the Siege of Banu Qurayza in 627 CE. According to authentic Islamic sources:
- Muhammad besieged the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza
- After their surrender, he appointed Sa'd ibn Mu'adh as judge
- Sa'd ruled that all adult men should be beheaded and women/children enslaved
- Muhammad approved, saying Sa'd had judged according to Allah's command
- Between 600-900 men were beheaded in trenches over the course of a day and night
- Their bodies were thrown into mass graves
This is recorded in the most authentic Islamic sources, including Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah and Sahih Bukhari. For a detailed examination, see our article on The Banu Qurayza Massacre.
Throughout Islamic History
Beheading became a standard method of execution in Islamic law for various offenses:
- Apostasy (leaving Islam)
- Blasphemy against Muhammad or Allah
- Warfare against Muslims
- In some schools, adultery and homosexuality
Modern Application
These verses have been cited by modern extremist groups to justify beheadings:
- ISIS: Widely publicized beheadings of journalists, aid workers, and "apostates"
- Al-Qaeda: Daniel Pearl, Nick Berg, and others
- Boko Haram: Mass beheadings in Nigeria
- Saudi Arabia: Public beheadings as state punishment (81 people in one day in 2022)
While most Muslims condemn these acts, the perpetrators cite the same classical sources and interpretations that all Muslims historically accepted.
The "Context" Defense
Some Muslims argue these verses only apply to specific 7th-century battles. However:
- The verses don't specify temporal or geographic limits
- Classical scholars applied them universally
- Islamic law codified beheading for various offenses based on these verses
- Muhammad himself ordered and approved mass beheadings
Quran 8:12 and Allah's Role
Notably, Quran 8:12 presents Allah commanding angels to strike necks and fingertips. This raises theological questions:
- Why would God command torture (striking fingertips)?
- Why would a merciful God celebrate beheading?
- What does this reveal about Allah's character?
Comparison with Biblical Teaching
While the Old Testament records wars commanded by God, the New Covenant brings a radically different ethic. Jesus said:
"Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword." — Matthew 26:52
The Apostle Paul wrote:
"The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." — 2 Corinthians 10:4
Christianity's battle is spiritual, not physical. For more on Jesus's teachings, visit our Prophets section.
Questions to Consider
- How can commands to strike necks be reconciled with claims that Islam is peaceful?
- If Muhammad approved mass beheadings, can he truly be called a moral example?
- Why would God command such brutal methods of killing?
- What does the continued practice of beheading in Islamic nations reveal?
Conclusion
The Quranic commands to "strike their necks" are not metaphorical—they're literal instructions for warfare that Muhammad himself implemented through mass beheadings. While disturbing to modern sensibilities, these verses remain part of Islamic sacred texts, shaping legal codes and inspiring violence to this day.
Related articles: The Sword Verse | Banu Qurayza Massacre | Terror in the Hearts