Is ridiculing the beliefs of innovators—even if they pertain to a part of Islam (such as prayer)—considered major disbelief (kufr akbar), knowing that the intention is to ridicule the innovators and not Islam itself?

Scoffing at disbelievers for their disbelief, or at innovators for their innovations, is permissible, as they hold no sanctity in their sins and wickedness, provided that such jesting does not lead one beyond the bounds of sobriety and truth, and that it is not adopted as a habit or allowed to overshadow one's earnestness. The mockery should be directed at the statement that opposes the Sunnah, not at the individual who holds it. This is not a sin; rather, it is permissible to jest about it. Narrations from the predecessors confirm this, such as Al-A'mash's statement about Ibrahim: "There is no backbiting for the person of innovation," and Al-Hasan Al-Basri's saying: "Three types of people have no sanctity concerning backbiting; one of them is the extremist innovator in his innovation." An example such as saying: "Remember, you have no need for prayer; it is just your heart," is not disbelief if the speaker intends to mock the statement that contradicts Islamic law and to show its falsehood. In summary, mocking the statements of innovators is neither unlawful nor an act of disbelief. However, it is preferable to engage them with kindness in order to guide them, as Allah Almighty said to Moses and Aaron when addressing Pharaoh: (And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear.)