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What is the ruling of Sharia on excusing by ignorance, and is the Hadith of Dhat Anwat evidence for excusing by ignorance?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Pleading ignorance varies depending on individuals, places, and issues. The summary of the matter is what Imam Al-Suyuti, may Allah have mercy on him, stated: "Whoever is ignorant of the prohibition of something commonly known among most people, his claim of ignorance is not accepted, unless he is a recent convert to Islam, or grew up in a desert environment where such matters are obscure, like the prohibition of adultery, murder, intoxicants, speaking during prayer, and eating during fasting." This also applies to obligations known to be essential parts of the religion. The Hadith of Dhat Anwat is evidence for excusing ignorance for those who are new to Islam.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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