and how many are those who turn away—people who claim affiliation with Islam yet accord it no weight, whether in knowledge or in practice. Their share of Islam is nothing but the bare label; as people say, “It’s only written on his identity card that he is a Muslim.” How many such people there are!

Accordingly, a Muslim must beware of the causes of apostasy in word, deed, and belief, for apostasy and unbelief may occur through any of these three.

A hypocrite is a disbeliever, because the disbelief hidden in his heart consists of doubt, obstinate refusal, or denial.

Disbelief through action includes such practices as prostrating to an idol or offering a sacrifice to other than Allah.

Disbelief by the tongue includes denying anything brought by the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, or mocking any part of his message. Even if a person inwardly affirms it, he is still a disbeliever, for true affirmation must entail submitting to what the Messenger—may Allah have mercy on him—brought, and derision, ridicule, and hatred cannot coexist with submission.

Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle, believed in his heart and even voiced that belief, yet at the same time he openly refused to submit. That belief did not benefit him, and he died upon the religion of ‘Abd al-Muttalib, despite the Messenger’s—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—persistent counsel until his final breath. He came to him while he was dying and said, “O uncle, say: lā ilāha illā Allah (there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah).” He kept repeating, “Say: lā ilāha illā Allah,” while the evil companions around him were saying, “Will you abandon the religion of ‘Abd al-Muttalib?” (1) Thus he died insisting that he remained upon the religion of ‘Abd al-Muttalib. We seek refuge in Allah from such abandonment.