Question
There are many “Muslims” these days who dont pray, or fast or ever intend to do Hajj or anything. A lot of these Muslims, however, have strong convictions regarding the truth of Islam and the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). Does their lack of adherence to the practical aspects of faith make them rejecters? These people are convinced of the truth of Islam, but they don’t pray. Does this not constitute rejection then?What is your opinion?
Answer
A person who, after accepting Islam to be his religion, does not offer prayers is committing sin and will be answerable to God on the day of judgement. In contrast to the foregoing, another person who, after accepting Islam to be his true religion persistently and openly refuses to offer obligatory prayers and payment of zakah would render himself a non-Muslim according to Quran;surah Taubah 9 (verses 5&11).
You write:
A lot of these Muslims, however, have strong convictions regarding the truth of Islam and the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh).
A strong conviction in a phenomenon cannot coexist with persistent negligence to fulfill the requirements of that phenomenon. Just as a person who truly loves his parents cannot disobey them persistently, similarly acceptance of Islam cannot coexist with persistent negligence to submit to the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh),but we do accept that due to certain inherent weaknesses one can persistently sin with a feeling of guilt. That person must sincerely seek forgiveness from God, pray to God and try to overcome his/her weaknesses;
You write:
Does their lack of adherence to the practical aspects of faith make them rejecters? These people are convinced of the truth of Islam, but they don’t pray. Does this not constitute rejection then?
Whether or not such lack of adherence renders a person rejector depends upon the nature of their lack of adherence. A continual lack of adherence which is of the nature of indolence and carelessness is indeed a great sin but such carelessness and lethargy cannot generally be declared as rejection of Islam. However, lack of adherence which is of the nature of rejection and refusal is, in fact, a rejection of Islam and can, as a result, render a person non-Muslim.
Regards,
UIUK team
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