What information is available regarding the incident of Assaf the Christian, mentioned in Ibn Kathir’s Al-Bidaya wa Al-Nihaya, volume/page: 13/397?

Summary of the Answer:

The incident involving Assaf the Christian is confirmed and mentioned by Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah. As for the ruling on one who reviles the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah affirmed in his book "As-Sarim al-Maslul 'ala Shatim ar-Rasul" (The Drawn Sword Against Those Who Insult the Messenger) that the reviler is to be killed, regardless of their state.

As for the account of the incident as mentioned by Ibn Kathir, Assaf the Christian was testified against for reviling the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and sought refuge with the son of Ahmad ibn Hajji. The two shaykhs, Taqiy ad-Din Ibn Taymiyyah and Zain ad-Din al-Fariqi, met and spoke with Emir 'Izz ad-Din Aybak al-Hamawi, the Sultan's deputy, concerning his matter, so he sent for Assaf. Upon Assaf's arrival, people pelted him with stones, striking him. The deputy then called for the two shaykhs, struck them, and imprisoned them, while the Christian embraced Islam and his blood was spared after he proved animosity between himself and the witnesses. Afterward, the two shaykhs were released. Assaf then went to Hijaz and was killed there by his nephew. Shaykh Taqiy ad-Din Ibn Taymiyyah authored the book "As-Sarim al-Maslul 'ala Sab ar-Rasul" (The Drawn Sword Against One Who Reviles the Messenger) because of this incident.