What are the rulings on takfir?

"Declaring a Muslim an infidel (kafir) is a serious matter because it removes the protection of their blood, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against excommunicating a Muslim. The description of Islam is affirmed for an individual merely by their declaration of the two testimonies (Shahadatain), but this does not mean there are no requirements for this declaration. Therefore, Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis) represent a middle ground between those who believe that mere declaration is insufficient, and those who believe it is sufficient without adherence to action.

It is essential to differentiate between ruling that an act is disbelief (kufr) and ruling that the doer is a disbeliever (kafir). There might be an impediment, such as ignorance or coercion, and a scholar must establish proof against the specific individual. Disbelief is not limited to belief; it can also be through words and actions, whether it is denial, doubt, turning away, or mockery. It can also be rejection or an act that contradicts faith."