What is the ruling on one who causes Muslims to be tempted in their religion?

Persecuting a Muslim regarding their religion is forbidden and its sin is great. Its prohibition and sin become more severe if it leads to disbelief and associating partners with Allah the Almighty, becoming worse and greater than killing. Allah the Almighty said: {And persecution is worse than killing} and {And persecution is greater than killing}.

Ibn Kathir said: Persecution means turning a Muslim away from their religion to disbelief, which is greater in the sight of Allah than killing. Repentance is available for whoever was persecuted, regretted it, and turned to Allah. Allah the Almighty said: {Indeed, those who have persecuted the believing men and believing women and then have not repented - for them will be the punishment of Hell, and for them will be the punishment of burning}.

Ibn Atiyah said in Al-Muharrar Al-Wajiz: "Persecuted" means burned. And persecution in the verse includes trial and torture. And His saying, {then have not repented} indicates the possibility of repentance for Quraysh, some of whom believed after the revelation of the verse.