What are the guidelines for ostracizing an innovator?
Innovators (Ahl al-Bid'ah) are divided into two categories:
1. Innovators whose innovation constitutes disbelief (kufr), making it obligatory for the ruler to execute them; otherwise, they must be ostracized. 2. Innovators whose innovation constitutes فسق (fisq - grave sinfulness), who must be ostracized if they call to their innovation. Ostracization should be absolute if it leads to their humility and rectification.
It is permissible to ostracize an innovator in various contexts, including: not entrusting them with public office, not greeting them with peace (salaam), not consulting them on religious matters or accompanying them on journeys, not visiting them when they are sick, imprisoning those who actively call to their innovation, not accepting their narration of , rebuking and reproaching them, and not attending their funerals.
If the innovator is from the common folk, it is preferable to deal with them gently and advise them, as their innovation is often due to ignorance. All the aforementioned means of ostracizing an innovator are applied or withheld based on the prevailing benefit.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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