[Ibn Hazm’s remarks in al-Fasl]

Several scholars have stated that this is the position of the majority of Muslims. Among them is Abū Muhammad ibn Hazm, who mentioned this in his book known as al-Fasl fī al-Milal wa-l-Nihal, when discussing the question:

“Is someone who believes in Islam without engaging in reasoning a believer, or is only someone who has engaged in reasoning a Muslim?”

He said:

“Muhammad ibn Jarīr and the Ash‘arīs, except Abū Ja‘far al-Simnānī, held that only someone who has engaged in reasoning is a Muslim; otherwise, he is not a Muslim.”

He said:

“Al-Tabarī said: Anyone, male or female, who has experienced a nocturnal emission or grown pubic hair—or, in the case of a female, begun menstruating—and has not come to know Allah with all His names and attributes through reasoning is an unbeliever whose blood may lawfully be shed and whose property may lawfully be taken. He also said that when a boy or girl reaches seven years of age, they must be taught and trained to reason concerning all of this.”

He said:

“The Ash‘arīs said: Neither is obliged to engage in reasoning concerning this until