The ruling on giving Excuse for Ignorance in matters related to `Aqidah
Question:
“What is the ruling on giving excuse for ignorance in matters related to `Aqidah (creed)?”
Answer:
“Aperson is excused for their ignorance of unclear matters but not for the well-established tenants of belief such as issues related to Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) and Salah (Prayer). If a Muslim lives among Muslim people and does not know that Salah, Zakah (obligatory charity), Sawm (Fast) are obligatory he will not be excused due to ignorance. Likewise, a Muslim will not be excused for being ignorant of not knowing that Zina (adultery), homosexuality, and consuming Khamr (intoxicant) are prohibited.
On the other hand, a person is excused for denying some of Allah's Attributes which they did not know. The common person or those who grow up in a remote society away from Muslim countries, like those living in the far ends of America or the far coasts of Africa might not be aware of all the Attributes of Allah, they will be treated like Ahl-ul-Fatrah (those whom Da`wah (call to Islam) has not reached in an uncorrupted manner). In this case, Allah's Attributes should be clarified for them and they are not considered disbelievers until everything is made clear to them. If they insist on their disbelief, they are to be sentenced to capital punishment.
The punishment must be carried out by the Muslim ruler. A person is excused for being ignorant of unclear matters and Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) will call them to account as Ahl-ul-Fatrah (people having no access to Divine Messages). It was authentically reported that these people will be tested on the Day of Resurrection. Those who pass the test will enter Jannah (Paradise) but those who fail it by disobeying Allah will enter the Fire. In the life of this world, their case is referred to the Muslim ruler.
Ta`zir (discretionary punishment) should be inflicted upon them if they insist on their opinions after clarifying the matters to them. If a person lives among Muslims and claims ignorance of matters such as Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah), etc., the ruler should implement Ta`zir upon him for this is a form of blasphemy.”
Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin 'Abdullah bin Baaz
Source: www.alifta.net - Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Volume 28, Book on subject related to `Aqidah. One of the questions of Hajj for the year 1408A.H., Tape no. 3.
“What is the ruling on giving excuse for ignorance in matters related to `Aqidah (creed)?”
Answer:
“Aperson is excused for their ignorance of unclear matters but not for the well-established tenants of belief such as issues related to Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) and Salah (Prayer). If a Muslim lives among Muslim people and does not know that Salah, Zakah (obligatory charity), Sawm (Fast) are obligatory he will not be excused due to ignorance. Likewise, a Muslim will not be excused for being ignorant of not knowing that Zina (adultery), homosexuality, and consuming Khamr (intoxicant) are prohibited.
On the other hand, a person is excused for denying some of Allah's Attributes which they did not know. The common person or those who grow up in a remote society away from Muslim countries, like those living in the far ends of America or the far coasts of Africa might not be aware of all the Attributes of Allah, they will be treated like Ahl-ul-Fatrah (those whom Da`wah (call to Islam) has not reached in an uncorrupted manner). In this case, Allah's Attributes should be clarified for them and they are not considered disbelievers until everything is made clear to them. If they insist on their disbelief, they are to be sentenced to capital punishment.
The punishment must be carried out by the Muslim ruler. A person is excused for being ignorant of unclear matters and Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) will call them to account as Ahl-ul-Fatrah (people having no access to Divine Messages). It was authentically reported that these people will be tested on the Day of Resurrection. Those who pass the test will enter Jannah (Paradise) but those who fail it by disobeying Allah will enter the Fire. In the life of this world, their case is referred to the Muslim ruler.
Ta`zir (discretionary punishment) should be inflicted upon them if they insist on their opinions after clarifying the matters to them. If a person lives among Muslims and claims ignorance of matters such as Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah), etc., the ruler should implement Ta`zir upon him for this is a form of blasphemy.”
Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin 'Abdullah bin Baaz
Source: www.alifta.net - Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Volume 28, Book on subject related to `Aqidah. One of the questions of Hajj for the year 1408A.H., Tape no. 3.