that his abandonment of the prayer arose from outright denial, so that he would—in such a state—die an unbeliever, as Ibn Taymiyyah has explained. His persistence in refusing the prayer under these circumstances is itself proof that he has left the faith, and—alas—there is no practical means to establish this today.

Therefore, let the scholars be content, at least on the theoretical level, with the position held by the vast majority of Muslim authorities: a person who neglects the prayer out of laziness while still believing in its obligation is not to be declared an unbeliever.

We have already presented decisive proof for this from sound prophetic evidence, so no one has any excuse thereafter.

“So let those who oppose his command beware, lest a tribulation befall them, or a painful punishment overtake them.”