What does Islam say about blasphemy laws?

How the Prophet ﷺ responded to insults

He was mocked, cursed and attacked throughout his mission, and his usual response was restraint.

• At Ta'if: after he was rejected and driven out, the Angel of the Mountains offered to crush the town. He said no, hoping their descendants would worship Allah (Sahih al-Bukhari 3231).
• "Death be upon you": when some visitors twisted the greeting into "as-samu alaykum," Aisha cursed them back. He told her Allah loves gentleness in all matters, and simply replied "and upon you" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6927).

The Quran expected believers to hear insults and asked for patience, not revenge.

The classical debate

Classical jurists of all four Sunni schools treated deliberately insulting the Prophet ﷺ as a grave offense, and many prescribed severe penalties in a Muslim state. They differed on details, such as whether repentance cancels the penalty and how non-Muslim subjects were treated. Even then, it was a matter for a judge, with proof and due process.

Many contemporary scholars stress the Prophet's own forgiving practice and the harm modern blasphemy laws can cause, such as false accusations and mob violence. They argue such laws in Muslim-majority countries often fail the classical safeguards themselves.

Vigilante violence is forbidden

No Muslim may attack, threaten or kill anyone over an insult, cartoon or offensive post. That's a crime under the law and a grave sin in Islam. Killing a non-Muslim who lives in peace with Muslims is so serious that the Prophet ﷺ said the killer won't even smell Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 3166).

Living with Western law

The USA protects even offensive speech under the First Amendment, and England and Wales abolished their blasphemy offenses in 2008. Some European countries keep narrow laws on insulting religion or inciting hatred. So the Muslim response is:

• Answer with knowledge: calm explanation changes more minds than outrage. See Can I argue about Islam with people online?
• Walk away when needed: mute, block or report abuse. See What should I do when people insult Islam in the comments?
• Use lawful means: report threats or hate crimes to the police or platform.
• Look after your heart: constant exposure to mockery is draining.