Does the absence of declaring a specific individual among Jews and Christians an infidel mean that it is impermissible to rule an individual as such until proof is established against them and ambiguity is removed? And does the news of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, reaching them in our current era constitute the establishment of proof, especially with the possibility of the message reaching them distorted?

It is permissible to declare specific Jews and Christians as disbelievers; in fact, not declaring them as such is an act of disbelief because they do not attribute themselves to Islam. This applies to the rulings of this world. As for the Hereafter, whoever has not received the complete message will be excused by Allah.

The proof is established against those who were able to access correct knowledge of Islam, not merely distorted hearsay. This varies according to time, place, and individuals. Allah does not punish anyone except after the proof has been established against them.

Punishment is deserved for turning away from the proof or for stubbornness after it has been established. However, for the disbelief of ignorance, without the ability to know the truth, Allah does not punish for it.