Ruling on Saying “I do not Consider the companions of Prophet (R.A) to be good” and relations with those holding such beliefs
Ruling on Saying “I do not Consider the companions of Prophet (R.A) to be good” and relations with those holding such beliefs
Question: Zaid, who was previously a follower of Ahl-e-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, was asked about the Companions of the Prophet (R.A). He replied, “I do not consider the Sahabah to be good. You may do whatever you want.” In the same gathering another person encouraged him, saying, “Your statement is good, remain steadfast on it.” Both individuals are known to associate with Shia people, recite the Shia version of the Kalimah, and engage in Shia practices such as Tazia, Matam, and Sina-Kobi. Both are married to Sunni women.
Questions:
1. Does a person making such statements remain a Muslim according to Islamic law?
2. Does their previous marriages remain valid, or does it become void?
3. If these individuals repent for their statements, will their earlier marriages remain valid, or new marriage contracts required?
And both persons offer prayers following the way of Ahl e Sunnah wal Jama'ah. Three witnesses (two men and one woman) have testified to this incident.
Answer:
According to Islamic law, these two individuals are considered extremely sinful and on the verge of disbelief, with a serious risk of losing their faith. However, as long as they do not explicitly adopt any of the recognized heretical beliefs common among Shia sects today (such as accusing Sayyidah Aisha (R.A) of immorality, denying the companionship of Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A), believing in the distortion of the Qur'an, alleging that Jibreel (A.S) made a mistake in delivering revelation, or claiming divinity for Sayyidina Ali (R.A)), they cannot be declared outright disbelievers. Consequently, their marriages remain valid.
However, as a precaution, it is recommended that they renew their marriage contracts. It is also obligatory for them to sincerely repent for their statements and actions, as these are associated with impermissible practices of the Shia sect.
If they do not repent, it becomes the duty of the Muslim community to sever ties with them, boycott them socially, and cease all dealings with them until they repent.
(Jami' al-Fatawa, Volume 2, Page: 336)