What are the prescribed punishments for those who wage war against God and His Messenger (muharibin)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Highway Robbers
Primary text
The prescribed punishments for those who wage war against God and His Messenger and spread corruption in the land are killing, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile, as established by the verse: Quran 5:33. This ruling applies specifically to highway robbers (qutta' al-turuq). The main view, held by Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the Ashab al-Ra'y (People of Opinion), asserts that this verse applies to Muslims who commit highway robbery. Ibn Abbas and many scholars hold this interpretation. The evidence for applying these rulings to Muslims is supported by Quran 5:278-279, which addresses believers regarding usury, implying that Muslims can engage in acts warranting war from God and His Messenger.
Supporting text
A secondary view, attributed to Ibn 'Umar, Al-Hasan, 'Ata', and 'Abd al-Karim, holds that the verse was revealed concerning apostates (Murtaddin), based on the incident of the 'Urayniyyin who apostatized, killed shepherds, and stole Zakat camels; the Prophet (peace be upon him) then mutilated them and they died. They support this because waging war against God and His Messenger is typically attributed to disbelievers.