Why was the opinion of the majority, who say that the one who abandons prayer is not an infidel, not taken into account, but rather the opinion of Imam Ahmad, who considers him an infidel, even though the practice of scholars is to adopt the majority opinion? And if the belief that the one who abandons prayer is an infidel becomes settled in one's mind without uttering it, is that considered a valid legal judgment? And is the issue of the one who abandons prayer one of the issues of al-wala' wal-bara' (loyalty and disavowal)?

The reason for adopting the fatwa that considers the one who abandons prayer a disbeliever is the preponderance of evidence supporting it. However, this does not necessitate ruling a specific person a disbeliever, due to the condition of fulfilling the requirements, the absence of impediments, and the establishment of proof. It is not permissible to accompany or befriend one who abandons prayer; rather, one should shun and boycott them, unless the intention behind such interaction is to invite them to Islam, enjoin them to good, and forbid them from this great evil.