What is the ruling on the belief that Allah will not hold people accountable for what is lawful and unlawful, and that piety is not obligatory? Is it permissible to commit some forbidden acts (such as lying, backbiting, looking at what is forbidden, listening to musical instruments, and offending people with the intention of joking) if they are conventionally and socially acceptable, or if they are coupled with good deeds such as giving charity or serving an Islamic association? What is the best way to advise someone who holds this belief and is older than me?
A servant will be held accountable for everything he does, and it is not permissible to be lenient with minor sins, for Allah the Almighty has enumerated them in the Book. Custom does not rule over religious law; rather, what is obligatory is adherence to the religion and not following the opinions of ignorant people who contradict religious law. Piety is obligatory by the text of the Holy Quran. To advise him, remind him of his good deeds and supplicate for his guidance.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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