Takfeer and Riddah - most misunderstood aspects of Islam.

[ModerateMuslim]

The basic principle regarding this issue is that whoever performs a major Shirk or negates from Islam that which is known by necessity (معلوم من الدين بالضرورة), such as permitting alcohol, zina, homosexuality etc, then by merely performing this act the person apostasies from Islam, and is to be called a Kafir/Mushrik. However, he is not to be punished until he is shown the relevant proofs, regardless of whether he understands it or not, and asked to repent; and this is where ‘excuse for ignorance’ (العذر بالجهل) plays its part. In the sense that the punishment is not to be applied until the proofs from the revelation is established against him.

As for him to be called a Kafir/Mushrik, then he is to be called such by him merely performing the action of Kufr, since there is no ‘excuse for ignorance’ (العذر بالجهل) in matters related to Tawheed and Shirk. This is the established opinion amongst the scholars from the past and present, and in particular, amongst the scholars of Najd starting from Sheikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhab until Sheikh Ibn Baz and al-Lajnah al-Da’imah et al.

As for the application of punishment upon the Murtad, then it is beyond us Islamically and practically, as Muslims living in the West. However, it is worth mentioning that carrying out Hudud are from the specialities of the Imam and his deputies, such as a Qadhi, while we have no Imam in the West. Secondly, the Hudud are not to be carried in non-Muslim lands, and thirdly, the Muslims living in the West have an agreement with their authorities that their blood and wealth must be protected, and since there is no betraying of treaties in Islam, it becomes prohibited on Muslims to cheat the Kuffar, or cause any damage to property or life; and Allah knows best.

[ModerateMuslim]

on what our response should be to the munafiqeen who fight islam while at the same time calming to adhere to it:

There is little we can do about such people living in the West, and equally, such apostates can do little about the 'Sawad al-Adham' in the West and elsewhere.

However, what we should concentrate on, is making sure that such people and their speeches are sternly shunned, excommunicated, and no two Muslims should differ on whether they are Kuffar.

The reason why this is important, is because due to general ignorance amongst Muslims about issues of apostasy, many Muslims tend to withhold from calling a person a Kafir unless he/she explicitly states: "I-AM-A-KAFIR".

Here, we realise one of the many benefits of Takfeer, that it safeguards the Muslim community and its beliefs, and Allah knows best.