He was asked about a man who had a discussion with another person concerning those who read al-Murshida (The Guide). The first said, “Some scholars have said that we are not permitted to read al-Murshida.” The other said, “Whoever does not read it is a disbeliever.”

The answer:

All praise belongs to Allah.

As for the second speaker, who said, “Whoever does not read it is a disbeliever,” he is a liar, misguided, mistaken, and ignorant. He must be called upon to repent of such a statement. If he repents, well and good; otherwise, he must receive a severe punishment that deters him and others like him from saying such things.

Indeed, if the implications of his statement, “Whoever does not read it is a disbeliever,” are understood, and he persists in it after becoming aware of them, then he himself is the disbeliever who must be called upon to repent. If he repents, well and good; otherwise, he is to be put to death. And Allah knows best.