`Allâmah Rabee` bin Hâdee al-Madkhalee
Source: Majmoo`-ul-Fatâwâ (1/236)
Question: When should we be soft and when should we be severe when we call to Allâh’s religion and relate to people?
Answer: Basically, the call must be done with softness, kindness and wisdom. That’s how it is in principle. If you see that the person is irreverent and rejects the truth as you clarify for him, you condemn him. If you have power and the person calls to his innovation, you punish him with the sword. It can lead to execution if the person continues to sow corruption on the earth.
There are scholars from different schools of law who consider this to be worse than robbery. These should be advised with evidence and wisdom. Then the truth is clarified for him. If he refuses to accept it, the Sharee`ah-appointed judge may punish him. He may imprison him. He may expel him. He may kill him.
They executed Jahm bin Safwân, Bishr al-Marîsî, al-Ja`d bin Dirham and others. That’s how the scholars judged those who are irreverent and continue to spread their innovations. If, on the other hand, he should benefit from Allâh and withdraw his innovation, the purpose is met.