Appendix One
The Ruling on Prostrating before an Idol

Question: What do the scholars say about someone who maintains that prostrating before an idol does not constitute disbelief or polytheism—even if the person verbally acknowledges that he is prostrating to the idol, or outwardly expresses through this prostration his agreement with the polytheists in their religion—so long as he does not inwardly intend to prostrate?

He further maintains that if an idol-worshipping polytheist recognizes the truth of Islam and acknowledges it, but, to appease his people and for fear of blame and reproach, voluntarily joins them in prostrating to their idols, offers sacrifices to them, circumambulates them, outwardly venerates them, and does not openly disavow them, then such a person is not to be judged a disbeliever, although he is sinful. The person advancing this view may cite ambiguous statements attributed to Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him. What do you say about this?

Answer:
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon the Seal of the Prophets. To proceed: