of the ruling. From his words, it is understood that if he denies its obligation out of ignorance, he does not disbelieve, because ignorance is an excuse according to the Quran, the sunnah, and the consensus of the Muslims in general—that is, not in every case.

This is indicated by His saying, Exalted is He:

“We never punish until We have sent a messenger.” [al-Isra’ 17:15]

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“We have never sent a messenger except in the language of his people, so that he might make the message clear to them.” [Ibrahim 14:4]

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“Indeed, We have revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him” … up to His saying: “Messengers bringing good news and warning, so that people would have no argument against Allah after the messengers.” [al-Nisa’ 4:163–165]

This indicates that had He not sent messengers to mankind, they would have had an argument before Allah, because they would have been excused. Allah, Exalted is He, also says:

“Your Lord would never destroy towns until He had sent to their central town a messenger reciting Our verses to them. Nor would We ever destroy towns except when their people were wrongdoers.” [al-Qasas 28:59]

And Allah, Exalted is He, says concerning Quraysh:

“Had We destroyed them with a punishment before this, they would have said, ‘Our Lord, if only You had sent us a messenger, then we would have followed Your signs before we were humiliated and disgraced.’” [Ta-Ha 20:134]

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Allah has pardoned my community for mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are compelled to do.” (1) The texts establishing that ignorance is an excuse are very numerous.

But is a claim of ignorance accepted from everyone?

The answer is no. Whoever has lived among the Muslims and denies prayer, zakat, fasting, or pilgrimage, saying, “I did not know,” then no—