‘Ali burned some people who retreated from Islam. When Ibn ‘Abbas was informed of it, he said: If it had been I, I would not have burned them, for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Do not inflict Allah’s punishment on anyone, but would have had killed them on account of the statement of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Apostle said: Kill those who change their religion. When ‘Ali was informed about it he said: How truly Ibn ‘Abbas said!
Hadith Commentary: Sunan Abi Dawud 4351
This narration from "Prescribed Punishments (Kitab Al-Hudud)" in Sunan Abi Dawud addresses the punishment for apostasy (irtidad) and demonstrates the scholarly methodology of the Companions in applying Prophetic teachings.
Legal Analysis of Burning Punishment
Ibn 'Abbas objected to 'Ali's method of execution by burning, citing the Prophet's prohibition: "Do not inflict Allah's punishment on anyone." Classical scholars explain this refers to using fire as punishment, since Allah reserves fire for Himself in the Hereafter.
The prohibition against burning is universal in Islamic jurisprudence, applying even to enemies in warfare. This demonstrates Islam's principle of avoiding excessive cruelty in punishment.
Apostasy Ruling and Execution Method
Ibn 'Abbas affirmed the death penalty for apostasy based on the Prophet's statement: "Kill those who change their religion," but insisted on execution by sword rather than burning.
Scholars note this shows the punishment is for treason against the Islamic community, not merely private belief. The consensus holds that apostates who openly declare their abandonment of Islam and refuse repentance after being counseled face capital punishment.
Companions' Scholarly Interaction
'Ali's acceptance of Ibn 'Abbas's correction demonstrates the humility and scholarly integrity of the Companions. When presented with stronger evidence, they readily abandoned their initial positions.
This incident establishes important legal principles: the prohibition of burning as punishment, the death penalty for apostasy, and the methodology of preferring textual evidence over personal opinion in Islamic jurisprudence.