The Conditional Qualification in Matters of Faith

He said: If someone says, “I am a believer, if Allah wills,” he is told: Allah the Exalted has said, “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace” (Q 33:56). So if you are truly a believer, then send blessings upon him; but if you are not a believer, do not send blessings upon him. Allah the Exalted has also said, “O you who believe, when the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade…” (Q 62:9).

Muʿadh—may Allah be pleased with him—said, “Whoever harbors doubt about Allah, that doubt nullifies all his good deeds; whereas one who believes yet commits sins may hope for forgiveness while still fearing punishment.”

The questioner said to Muʿadh—may Allah be pleased with him—“If doubt destroys good deeds, then surely faith is even more potent in destroying evil deeds.”

Muʿadh—may Allah be pleased with him—replied, “By Allah, I have never seen a man more astonishing than this one: he is asked, ‘Are you a Muslim?’ and he answers, ‘I do not know.’”