Is the disbelief mentioned in the Hadith: "He who approaches a woman in her rear has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad," a disbelief that expels one from the fold of Islam, necessitating repentance or punishment and renewal of the Shahada, or is it a disbelief signifying the gravity of the sin, similar to that of one who abandons prayer?

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: "Whoever has intercourse with a menstruating woman, or with a woman in her anus, or goes to a soothsayer, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)." This disbelief is not major disbelief that expels one from the fold of Islam; rather, it is minor disbelief (a lesser form of disbelief). Scholars have interpreted it as a strong warning and emphasis. If it were major disbelief, expiation would not have been prescribed for it. If the intention behind the act was to deem it permissible and to believe in its permissibility, then the disbelief is to be taken literally. However, if it was done without such an intention, then it is a disbelief in blessings.

Disbelief is of two types: major disbelief, which necessitates eternal hellfire, and minor disbelief, which necessitates deserving punishment but not eternal hellfire. An example of minor disbelief is: "Whoever has intercourse with a woman in her anus has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad."

Comparing this hadith (definition) to the hadith about abandoning prayer is incorrect, as abandoning prayer is an act of disbelief that expels one from the fold of Islam.