Does one apostatize if asked, "Which is better to you, your Prophet, peace be upon him, or your language?" and he replies, "My language"? And does he apostatize if he says that jokingly or out of ignorance?

The comparison between language and the Prophet, peace be upon him, can be understood under two possibilities:

1. The First Possibility (Language intended as nationalism, and the Prophet as Islam): In this case, the one who answers has fallen into disbelief (kufr). Arab nationalism is a pre-Islamic (Jahiliyyah) call that contradicts Islam and divides Muslims. Sheikh Ibn Baz issued a fatwa stating that the call for Arab nationalism is false and objectionable, and comparing it to Islam is an injustice and foolishness. He ruled that whoever makes such a comparison is "afflicted in his mind," or "a blind follower," or "an enemy of Islam."

2. The Second Possibility (Literal meaning intended): In this case, the questioner erred by mentioning the Prophet, peace be upon him, in a comparison, and the one who answered erred even more with his absurd reply that diminishes the status of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and this is disbelief (kufr). A Muslim must glorify the Prophet, peace be upon him, venerate him, and support him. Allah Almighty has commanded this and warned that whoever raises his voice above his or diminishes his status will have his deeds rendered void. Scholars have unanimously agreed on the obligation to execute anyone who curses the Messenger, peace be upon him, or defects him, or diminishes him.

Statements and actions that cause their perpetrator to exit Islam, whether uttered seriously, in jest, or mockingly, are subject to the same ruling. The questioner should advise the man, explain to him the heinousness of what he said, and urge him to sincere repentance.