Did I Leave Islam by Telling an Atheist That the Prophet Muhammad Was Not a Muslim?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
In a private message months ago, sharing the message of submission to Allah with an atheist who had been let down by religious teaching, I said: ‘Jesus was not a Christian, Buddha was not a Buddhist, Mohammed was not a Muslim. They came to teach us what we are, not just to make the rules for how to live.’ I meant that these teachers are the originators of the message, not followers of it. I specifically do not mean that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) did not submit to Allah.
My wife, who is not well at the moment, read my old messages and believes my words are kufr, since to her “Muslim” can only mean one who submits to Allah. But I was speaking to a non-Muslim and used the word as she, the atheist, understood it: a follower of the religion. My wife now says she is unsure I am Muslim; she is not sleeping in my bed and wears hijab in the house. She says she needs a scholar’s advice. Would you share your wisdom?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Wa alaykum al-salam,
I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.
The Prophets (peace be upon them all) are the best of Allah’s creation and the dearest of them to Him. Each is owed our belief, reverence, respect, and love. Therefore, we take great care in how we speak of them.
Given this, your sentence fell short of that expressed respect and reverence. But it doesn’t make you a disbeliever, and your faith and your marriage remain valid.
How the Imams of Our Religion Talk of the Prophets
In his agreed-upon summary of Islamic beliefs, Imam Tahawi (Allah have mercy on him) says of our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that he is “His chosen servant, His elect Prophet and His approved Messenger,” and “the Seal of the Prophets, the leader of the God-fearing, the master of the messengers, and the beloved of the Lord of the worlds.” [Tahawi, al-ʿAqida al-Tahawiyya]
Of all the prophets Imam Tahawi says, “We testify that they were upon the manifest truth.” [Ibid.]
Note the respect and reverence that is expressed in these words. This is both our belief, and the way we think about and talk about the Prophets, without exception.
Another Example
In his much-taught versification of Islamic beliefs, Imam Laqani wrote, “The best of creation without exception is our Prophet, so turn away from dispute.” [Laqani, Jawharat al-Tawhid]
Imam Bajuri (Allah have mercy on them both) explains that this holds “of humans, jinn and angels, in this world and the next, in every good trait and attribute of perfection.” [Bajuri, Tuhfat al-Murid]
Our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “I am the master of the children of Adam on the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]
Your Words Bear a Sound Meaning
Imam Tahawi also teaches, “A servant does not leave faith except by outright denial what brought him into it.” [Tahawi, al-ʿAqida al-Tahawiyya]
As you meant them, your words say the Prophets were not “Muslim” in the sense of being followers of our religion’s specific and distinctive teachings that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) came with–as these teachings differed, while the beliefs and core values didn’t. Words with a sound meaning, from a man who affirms the testimony of faith, are not judged as disbelief, even where they weren’t phrased in the best way. At the same time, be more careful next time.
Speak About Prophets and the Sacred Only with Words of Respect and Reverence
So choose more respectful and reverential ways of expressing yourself when speaking about the Prophets.
I would advise you to learn your beliefs, study and consult with scholars, and guard your tongue; the free, reliable courses at SeekersGuidance are a good place to start.
Your wife’s alarm came from love of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and concern (nasiha) for you, so meet it gently, and perhaps read this answer together.
Allah Most High says: “O you who believe: wholeheartedly answer Allah and the Messenger when he summons you to what brings you to life.” [Quran 8:24; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Imam Tabari mentions that the great early exegete, Mujahid, said that “what brings you to life” refers to “the truth.” [Tabari, Jamiʿ al-Bayan]
The Ottoman Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Kamal Pasha read it as the sacred sciences, “for they are the life of the heart.” [Ibn Kamal, Tafsir Ibn Kamal Pasha]
May Allah give your heart that life, and your home its peace.
And Allah knows best.
Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers
One. What Takes a Person Out of the Fold of Islam? — Shaykh Faraz A. Khan: Denying what brought one into faith, showing contempt for the religion, or denying what is necessarily known of it takes one out of Islam.
Two. Will This Statement Take Me Out of Islam? — Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat: Leaving Islam is never an accident; it needs a deliberate choice.
Three. What Is the Message That All Prophets Were Sent to Preach to People? — Shaykh Yusuf Weltch: Every prophet, from Adam to Muhammad, called to pure monotheism, though the details of their laws differed.
«النصوص» · Source-Texts
[الطحاوي، العقيدة الطحاوية]
«وإن محمدا عبده المصطفى، ونبيه المجتبى، ورسوله المرتضى، وإنه خاتم الأنبياء، وإمام الأتقياء، وسيد المرسلين، وحبيب رب العالمين»
«ونؤمن بالملائكة والنبيين، والكتب المنزلة على المرسلين، ونشهد أنهم كانوا على الحق المبين»
«ولا يخرج العبد من الإيمان إلا بجحود ما أدخله فيه»
[الغنيمي، شرح العقيدة الطحاوية]
«ولأنه أحب الأسماء إلى الله تعالى وأرفعها إليه … حيث إنه ﷺ مع ما بلغ من الاصطفاء والاجتباء والارتضاء والختم والسيادة مع النبوة والرسالة، ما برح عن صفة العبودية»
[اللقاني، جوهرة التوحيد]
«وأفضل الخلق على الإطلاق … نبينا فمل عن الشقاق»
[الباجوري، تحفة المريد]
«أي: أفضل المخلوقات على العموم الشامل للعلوية والسفلية، من البشر والجن والملك، في الدنيا والآخرة في سائر خصال الخير وأوصاف الكمال»
[مسلم، الصحيح]
«أنا سيد ولد آدم يوم القيامة، وأول من ينشق عنه القبر، وأول شافع وأول مشفع»
[الطبري، جامع البيان]
عن مجاهد: «﴿لما يحييكم﴾ قال: الحق»
[ابن كمال باشا، تفسير ابن كمال باشا]
«﴿لما يحييكم﴾ من العلوم الدينية؛ فإنها حياة القلب، والجهل موته»
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan. In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era. Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs. Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature. His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
