In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Precise Response to The One Who Says,

“Neither Judge Nor Harbour Evil Suspicion Because You Don’t Know Whether He Repented From His Bidah!”

Question to Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him]: There some callers about whom is it stated that they have have left the wrong methodology they were upon in the past, such as Takfeer and inciting the common people against the Muslim Rulers, finding fault with the scholars, commending the proponents of innovations in religious affairs and what is similar to that; but there a number of affairs noticed with regards to this: Firstly, these callers have not clearly announced their repentance. Secondly, their books and audio cassettes filled with incitement, Takfeer and commending the proponents of innovations in religious affairs are spread in the internet, and those it belongs to have not declared their innocence from what is contained in them of falsehood. Thirdly, some of them have not ceased following the methodology they were upon in the past. What should be our stance towards these people and what are the conditions of repentance for the likes of these ones? May Allaah bless you.

Answer: Whoever used be upon a wrong methodology, then it is not enough to publicize that he has turned away from it until he clearly announces that he has turned away (from it) and acknowledges his error. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ وَبَيَّنُواْ – Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth)].[Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 160]

When Abul Hassan Al-Ash’ari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] turned away from the methodology of the Mutazilah, he stood on the mimbar in the main city mosque and announced his (repentance), and his books such as Al-Ibaanah and Al-Maqaalaat are a declaration of that. Likewise, whoever was upon a wrong methodology and has followers or written works or wrong statements, then he must announce that when he turns away from -refute and criticize his errors.

[Al-Ijaabaatul Muhimmah Fil Mashaakil Al-Mulimmah. Page 226]