Question:
With regards to the Hadith: “Verily a person utters a word, that he deems harmless, but it results in his falling into the depths of the Hellfire.” Is it possible to leave Islam due to an accidental statement of disbelief?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,
The Hadith quoted in the question is general with regards to any statement that draws the wrath of Allah Most High. The epitome of such statements are statements of disbelief; however, the scholars were very cautious to hastily deem a Muslim a disbeliever due to a statement.
The Hadith
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily a person may speak a statement pleasing to Allah not giving it much thought and Allah will raise them, due to it, many ranks. And verily a person will speak a statement displeasing to Allah not giving it much thought and fall, due to it, in the Hell-Fire.” [Bukhari]
In another narration, “they will fall, due to it, further than the distance between the East and West.”
Statements Of Disbelief
Imam al-Tahawi narrates that a person does not leave the fold of Islam except by rejection of that which entered them into the fold in the first place (i.e. the core beliefs of Islam).
Thus if a person, intentionally, says a statement of disbelief and knows that it is disbelief they are considered a disbeliever. If, on the other hand, a person says a statement and is not sure that it is disbelief, they are not deemed a disbeliever.
This is because (once a person’s) Islam is affirmed it cannot be removed with doubt. [Ibn Nujaym, al-Bahr al-Raiq citing al-Tahawi]
Ignorance and Lack Of Caution
It is possible that a person – who does not have a firm-footed knowledge of the fundamental Islamic beliefs – says a statement out of ignorance that is contrary to the Islamic beliefs. Such statements are indeed dangerous and sinful and should not be taken lightly.
If such statements apply to matters that are common knowledge amongst all Muslims, the learned amongst them and the laymen, it is tantamount to disbelief.
On the other hand, if the statement relates to a point of belief that is nuanced and known only by the scholars and learned, such a statement is still dangerous and sinful — but the person is not deemed a disbeliever due to the wariness of the scholars to make such judgments.
For this reason, every Muslim should keep the following two things in mind:
Knowledge and Caution In Speech
Firstly, every Muslim should strive to learn and become well-versed, at least to a basic level, in the fundamental Islamic beliefs. This knowledge is to be sought from authentic scholars of the tradition.
Secondly, every Muslim should be very careful with regards to speaking freely on religious matters without the prerequisite knowledge and authority to do so.
Allah Most High says, “Do not follow what you have no sure knowledge of. Indeed, all will be called to account for their hearing, sight, and intellect.” [Qur’an; 17:36]
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever speaks regarding the Qur’an by mere opinion and is (coincidentally) correct they have erred.” [Tirmidhi]
Summary
From the above, you can see that there is a definite reason to be cautious of what you say such that you do not speak of any religious matter without knowledge, but there is no reason to be troubled, despondent, or feel that your faith is at risk. Have a good opinion of Allah Most High, and do your best to act in accordance with His obedience; you will find Allah generous and forgiving.
Of the most important and effective things one can do to both draw nearer to Allah and protect themselves and their faith is the seeking of Sacred knowledge. Take a look at and consider the courses offered here at www.seekersguidance.org.
I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani