Will This Statement Take Me Out of Islam?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Is saying “If I am not treated by this doctor, I will definitely not recover (from my sickness)” considered as a nullifier of Islam?

Answer

I pray you are well. 

No, the above statement does not take one out of Islam. Only the denial of something which in necessarily known to be part of the religion, or an act which expresses contempt of Allah Most High, His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), or Islam would do that. 

Imam Tahawi said in his famous ‘aqida text, “Nothing takes a person out of Islam except denial of that which brought him into it in the first place.” (Tahawi, Bayan ‘Aqida Ahl al Sunna). The contemptuous act indicates that there is internal rejection.

Leaving Islam is an Active Choice

It is not easy to leave Islam. It can’t happen by accident. There has to be an active intention and a deliberate choice. You’re a believer; thank Allah for that iman and work on nurturing it. It’s best to stay away form things which keep making you think about matters like this. 

Allah Wants People To Enter and Stay in Islam

If you look at the Qur’an you’ll find that Allah keeps opening the doors of acceptance and repentance for the disbelievers – even for the likes of Fir’awn! Allah said to Musa, “Go to Fir’awn because he has crossed all limits; and say, ‘Do you have any inclination towards purifying yourself, such that I can guide you to your Loving Lord so you can be reverent?’” (Qur’an, 79:17-19)

Islam wants to include people. As I said, It’s not easy to leave Islam, and it can’t happen accidentally. If Allah is willing to give Fir’awn a chance then it’s safe to assume He doesn’t want people to just leave Islam. Don’t worry about it. Work on nourishing your iman.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.