What is the ruling on someone who utters a statement of disbelief unintentionally, whether jokingly or seriously, and then realizes it was a statement of disbelief? Does he become a disbeliever? And is he held accountable for a statement, act, or belief of disbelief resulting from ignorance if he did not know it was disbelief? And what is the ruling on a thought of a statement, act, or belief of disbelief that crosses a person's mind, if he does not utter it but instead makes a physical movement or laughs? And is merely uttering the two testimonies (Shahadatayn) with the tongue sufficient without the presence of the heart or concentration, and does an error in pronouncing its letters affect it? And what are the limits of ignorance that serve as an excuse for disbelief, and when does it not serve as an excuse?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The one who errs is excused if his error is due to ignorance, forgetfulness, or heedlessness. It is part of Allah's mercy that He does not hold one accountable for obsessive thoughts (waswasah) unless one speaks or acts upon them. If you utter a word of disbelief unintentionally, you do not become a disbeliever by that. Therefore, turn away from these obsessive thoughts and do not burden yourself by repeatedly uttering the two testimonies of faith. You should supplicate and consult a psychiatrist.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 159982
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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