We have some people who say that he who commits major shirk is considered a Muslim as long as he did that out of ignorance. Is this their speech correct?

Question:

“May Allah be good to you. He says: We have some people who say that he who commits major shirk like the one who calls upon other than Allah or sacrifices and makes oaths for other than Allah then verily he is considered a Muslim as long as he did that out of ignorance. Is this their speech correct?”

Answer:

“No, this is incorrect. Did Allah the Majestic and Most High pardon those who died upon major shirk because they were jahilis (the people living in the time of al jahiliyyah) and it did not happen to them before that a messenger came to them to invite them?! Is it said this one he is excused?! No, there is no excuse for anyone in major shirk. Either he repents, then the repentance, and to Allah belong all the praises and thanks, is accepted. If he commits long and extensive shirk and then repents sincerely Allah will wipe away from him all of his shirk.”

Shaykh Saalih bin Muhammad al-Luhaydaan, may Allah preserve him


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