Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question: Assalamu alaykum
What are the nullifiers of Islam?
Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
I pray you are well.
One’s attachment to the religion of Islam is nullified by essentially saying the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, lied – far be it for him to do anything of the sort! In addition to this the Jurists have included derisive mockery of the religion and its signs. (Ghazali, Faysal al Tafriqa; Haytami; al I’lam bi Qawati’ al Islam)
Summarising this, Imam Tahawi said that a person only leaves Islam by denying that which entered him into it. That is, the affirmation of the the truthfulness of Allah and His Messenger, Allah bless him and give him peace; and denying the reverence due to them. (al Aqida al Tahawiyya)
Focus on What Benefits You
Your question has its merits, and, in a certain context, it is well placed. For most people, however, it is better for focus on making your faith flourish, and increasing your expression of slavehood to Allah in the situation He has placed you.
The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, told us, “Clearly, I have only been sent to perfect righteous character.” (Ahmad) This is one of the manifestation of the above. Theological positions have their proper place without a doubt, but they can lead to pointless debates which only bring out the opposite of said righteous character. Focus on that instead.
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
Wassalam,
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat