How Must Muslims React to Disrespect and Insults against the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad?
There were insults and disrespect against the Quran and the Nabi/Prophet in olden times (al-Anbiya [21] 36-41) and they will still be there in the future. The Quran teaches Muslims very clearly how to behave in such difficult situations.
Even though the tradition determines physical violent actions against disrespect and insults, the Quran doesn’t approve of such behaviour. The Quran allows only the following reaction and behaviour:
Be patient
“…and you shall hear from those who were given the Book before you, and from those who are idolaters, much hurt; but if you are patient and Godfearing — surely that is true constancy.” (Al Imran [3] 186).
Don’t pay attention to the bullying’s
“…and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!”…” (al-Furqan [25] 63. Also al-Araf [7] 199; al-Qasas [28] 55).
Retaliate evil with favour
“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better. You will certainly find that your enemies will become your intimate friends.” (Fussilat [41] 34. Also al-Anam [6] 107-108).
Advice and argue/debate with Hikmah (wisdom) and the Quran
“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious…” (an-Nahl [16] 125. Also al-Anam [6] 70; an-Nisa [4] 148).
Stand up and go/turn away
“…when you hear the verses of Allah [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation…” (an-Nisa [4] 140. Also al-Araf [7] 199; al-Anam [6] 68).
Note: The verses about Fitnah in al-Anfal [8] 39 and al-Baqara [2] 193 deal only with difficult tests during the combats in war. They have no interest except for war. Even so the punishment of the munafiqun (hyprocrites) in Tawba [9] 66 is related to the afterlife, according to the context. It’s about the punishment from Allah in the hereafter, not the punishment to humans.