—matters whose proofs are glaringly clear. To regard them as lawful amounts to major disbelief when the one making that claim lives among Muslims. If, however, he has grown up among non-Muslims or in some remote desert far from scholars, the evidences must first be presented to him; should he then persist in declaring them permissible, he becomes a disbeliever. Examples include fornication, intoxicants, pork, and all that resembles them, for such things are undeniably forbidden in the religion, and their proofs are explicit in both the Quran and the Sunnah. Hence no weight is given to a plea of ignorance when the person who makes such a claim is someone who, as noted earlier, cannot realistically be unaware of the ruling.

I ask Allah to grant us and you beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds, to bless us with true understanding of His religion and steadfastness upon it, and to shield us all from the trials that lead people astray. He is All-Hearing, Ever-Near.

And may the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.