Is Someone Still Muslim After Mocking Islam but Later Practicing Seriously?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Someone mocked Islam due to the attitude they gained from their upbringing. Then he started praying and practicing Islam sincerely. Does he have to renew his shahada?

Answer

I pray you are well.

Judges Decide On Problematic Statements

Firstly, we cannot say for sure that this person left Islam. This would be the role of a Judge. With the amount of misinformation and lack of knowledge of Islam globally, it wouldn’t be wise just to say someone has left Islam if they said something questionable.

This would have to be judged on a case-by-case basis by a judge and after looking at the particulars. This is if the statement is not a blatant denial or mockery of Islam that shows the person no longer wishes to be part of the religion.

Reaffirming One’s Islam

If this were the case, then any display of the acceptance of Islam and belief in it would suffice. Some scholars have said that the shahada would need to be repeated. (Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al Muhtar) However, the prayer includes a statement of the shahada, so it is unnecessary. 

Protecting Yourself and Those Around You

The best thing to do is to study the din constantly. Study belief so you gain certainty. Study Fiqh, so you know how to implement the din. Study about the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) so you know how to implement the spirit of Islam. Study the Qur’an and Spirituality so you can develop your relationship with Allah.

This will bring a layer of understanding and protection to your life. You’ll see many blessings from it. When you study the angels surround you, mercy and tranquility descend. It becomes a means to getting to Paradise easily.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.