Chapter: Those Scholars Who Disapproved of a Person Asking Another, “Are You a Believer?” In their view, such a questioner is an innovator and a wicked man

Muhammad ibn al-Husayn—may Allah have mercy upon him—said: If a man asks you, “Are you a believer?” then say: “I believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, the Last Day, death, resurrection after death, Paradise, and Hell.” If you prefer not to answer him, say: “Your questioning me is an innovation, so I will not answer you.” If you do answer him by saying, “I am a believer, Allah Most High willing,” with the qualification we have mentioned, there is no harm in that. Beware of debating a person like this, for such debate is blameworthy in the view of the scholars. Follow the past leaders of the Muslims, and you will remain safe, Allah Most High willing.