Is one who distorts or mocks a Hadith considered an apostate, and what is the ruling on one person declaring another an apostate for this reason?

Whoever distorts a hadith in mockery of it is an apostate, expelled from the fold of Islam, for Allah Almighty says: "Was it at Allah and His verses and His Messenger that you were mocking? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your belief."

The same applies to whoever distorts it with the intention of alteration and change in religion.

However, if the distortion of the hadith is to change its wording, to encourage people to perform acts of obedience or to avoid evil deeds, then the perpetrator is not considered a disbeliever. Nevertheless, he has committed a great sin for deliberately lying about the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, for he said: "Whoever intentionally lies about me, let him prepare his seat in Hellfire."

Therefore, for one person to declare another a disbeliever for distorting a hadith out of mockery or to alter the Sharia is not an error. However, if the distortion was to encourage worship or warn against disobedience, then declaring the perpetrator a disbeliever is a grave error, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Any man who says to his brother, 'O disbeliever,' then it will apply to one of them."