The book 'Ihkam Al-Taqrir fi Ahkam Al-Takfir'

Q: Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia live with many blessings; the greatest of which is Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism). In the issue of Takfir (declaring someone to be a disbeliever), we refuse the doctrines of Al-Khawarij (separatist group that believes committing a major sin amounts to disbelief) and Al-Murji'ah (a deviant Islamic sect claiming that Faith is restricted to belief not deeds). These days, I came across a book entitled Ihkam Al-Taqrir fi Ahkam Al-Takfir by Murad Shukry, a Jordanian writer. I found that this writer was not a scholar nor did he study the sciences of Shari`ah (Islamic law). In his book, he promoted the false doctrine of the extremist Al-Murji'ah, which recognizes only one form of Kufr (disbelief), which is Kufr of denial that we all know is inconsistent with the truth and the Shar`y evidence drawn by Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) and disseminated by Imams of Da`wah in this blessed country. Moreover, scholars stated that Kufr may be through words, actions, beliefs and doubts [of well-established religious facts, trans.].We wish that you will clarify the truth to guard people against this book which (Part No. 2; Page No. 134) is generally adopted by the group that belongs to Salafiyyah (those following the way of the righteous predecessors) in Jordan. May Allah protect you. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

A: After reading the book mentioned above, it becomes clear that it confirms the doctrine of Al-Murji'ah and promotes that there is only one form of Kufr, namely Kufr of denial and rejection. The book exposes this heinous doctrine in the name of Sunnah and Shar`y evidence as if it were the opinion of the scholars of the Salaf (righteous predecessors). On the contrary, this reflects the author's ignorance of the truth and it confuses and misleads young Muslims into believing that this is the opinion of the Salaf and competent researching scholars of this Ummah, whereas it is the doctrine of Al-Murji'ah who say that sins do not affect one's Iman (Faith). According to them, Iman is just the inner belief and Kufr takes place only by denial. This is extreme negligence which is the opposite of the false doctrine of the Al-Khawarij that goes to the other extreme in Takfir. Both of them are two false and heinous doctrines that clearly lead to false results. Allah (Exalted be He) guides Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah to the truth, the correct doctrine and the moderate belief between the two extremes, stressing that a Muslim's honor and religion are inviolable and it is not permissible to declare anyone a disbeliever without truth substantiated with evidence. According to proofs from the Qur'an and Sunnah, such a sound belief confirms that Kufr may take place through sayings, actions, abandonment of actions, beliefs and doubt. Therefore, it is not permissible to publish or print this book or to claim that its false contents are based on sound evidence (Part No. 2; Page No. 135) from the Qur'an and Sunnah or represent the way of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah. The author and publisher of this book must repent to Allah, for repentance wipes out sins. A person who does not have deep knowledge of the Shari`ah should not engage in similar issues lest they may result in harm and corrupt `Aqidah (creed) more than the benefit and reform that they have wished to spread.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.