Q: I heard from critics of Islam that, in the seerah, when it comes to the Jewish tribe, Banoo Quraiza, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) checked all the boys if they had pubic hair to determine whether they were mature and baaligh in order to be able to decide whether they should be treated and punished like all the men. Is there any truth to this? Also, were the Bnoo Quraiza judged for their crime by their own scriptures i.e. The Torah or were they appointed an arbitrator among the Sahaaba according to their (Banoo Quraiza’s) choice?
A: To say that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) himself checked is misleading and incorrect. There was a need to ascertain puberty. At the time of need some things become permissible just as a surgeon has to operate and some part of the body is revealed. Some other person must have checked on this.
Both. This was in accordance to their own scriptures and an arbiter of their choice.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)