Debate Question: We have learned that Muhammad had put to death poets who wrote harsh, mocking poems about him. Given that Muslims regard Muhammad as a fine role model (showing an "excellent pattern of conduct" -- Quran 33.21) , we have as our Debate Question: Are certain Muslims eager to enact severe penalties against those today who speak out against Muhammad and his religion, because Muhammad himself did the same thing?"
- Asma bint Marwan. She composed poems attacking those of her tribe who converted to Islam and allied themselves with Muhammad. She thought very poorly of Muhammad: "do you expect good from (Muhammad) after the killing of your chiefs?" and asked: "Is there no man of pride who would attack him by surprise/ And cut off the hopes of those who expect aught from him?" Muhammad famously responded with, "Who will rid me of Marwan's daughter?" An eager, zealous Muslim took up the call and murdered Asma bint Marwan while she slept.
- Abu Afak. More than 100 years old, he was murdered for writing a derogatory poem about Muhammad.
- Uqba bin Abu Muayt. Just before being killed for having written condemnatory verses about Muhammad, he cried, "But who will look after my children, O Muhammad?" Muhammad coldly replied, "Hell!"
- Al-Nadr bin al-Harith. He had the audacity to declare about Muhammad and the Quran: "By God, Muhammad cannot tell a better story than I, and his talk is only of old fables which he has copied as I have." When he became a prisoner of war after having tried to protect caravans from Muslims, Muhammad's son-in-law, Ali, had him killed. It should be noted that just like Muhammad, Allah himself hates those who call the Quran "ancient fables" and intends to forever torture these people in hell (see Quran 83:13-16).
- Kab bin al-Ashraf. Because Muhammad and his men were robbing the caravans of the Meccans, Meccans sent out an army to try to end this problem. Unfortunately for the Meccans they lost a notable battle at Badr. Witnessing the aftermath of the battle, Kab wrote a poem expressing dejection at the loss of life, and foretelling future marches by the Meccans against Muhammad. Muhammad responded by asking, "Who will rid me of Kab?" Two Muslims did precisely that, even resorting to lying to carry out their murderous plan.