A Murji Principle: The Limitation of Kufr Only to Those Who Belie Islaam [Part 22]

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Another principle of the Murji’ah is that they limit disbelief to those who either belie or repel the message of al-Islaam. As a result, a person cannot commit an act of disbelief except if they belie or reject al-Islaam. They have deduced such a belief based on their linguistic understanding of some of the texts, as disbelief in the Arabic language means to cover. 

Similar to the Statement of Allaah, the Most High:

“And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or denies the truth (Muhammad  and his doctrine of Islamic Monotheism and this Qur'an), when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad  )?” [al-'Ankaboot 29: 68]

Rejecting and believing is considered as an act of disbelief which could result in a person leaving the religion of al-Islaam. However, it is not limited to these two acts of disbelief. Rather the texts of the Sharee'ah has given plenty examples of disbelief occurring from other sources than these two crimes.

For example, a person could become a disbeliever if they mock any aspect of the religion, as Allaah, the Most High, Said:

“If you ask them (about this), they declare: "We were only talking idly and joking." Say: "Was it at Allah (ÚÒ æ Ìá), and His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger ( ) that you were mocking?" Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.).” [at-Tawbah: 65-66]

Disbelief could also occur through pride and refusal, just as Allaah, the Most High, Said about Iblees:

“And they prostrated except Iblis (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah).” [al-Baqarah 2:34]

Disbelief could also take the shape of complete neglect of the religion of Allah, as Allaah, the Most High Said about these type of people:

“But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.” [al-Ahqaaf 46:3]

Disbelief could also take the form of hypocrisy, as Allaah, the Most High Said about the hypocrites:

“That is because they believed then disbelieved so their hearts have been sealed and they do not understand.” [al-Munaafiqoon:3]

Disbelief could also occur if one doubts the religion of Islaam being true, just like the story of the two men in Surah al-Khaf:

“35. And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: "I think not that this will ever perish. "And I think not the Hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my Lord, (on the Day of Resurrection), I surely shall find better than this when I return to Him."” [al-Khaf 18: 35-36]

As preceded, disbelief could also be witnessed in a persons statement or action.