It is narrated from ‘Ikrimah that some heretics were brought to Sayyiduna ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), and they had their books with them. Sayyiduna ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) first ordered a fire to be kindled, so a fire was lit, then he burned them and their books. When Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) learned of this incident, he said: If I had been there, I would not have burned them, because the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade burning. However, I would have killed them, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever changes his religion, kill him. Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Do not punish people with the punishment of Allah the Exalted.