The Ruling on One Who Denies the Prayer

Question

Zayd, in reply to one who tells him, “Pray, for it is the command of God and the Messenger,” says: “We do not pray; we do not know who God is or who the Messenger is; the world is just a science in which things come into being and pass away.” He neither prays nor fasts, shaves his beard and drinks wine. Does the marriage of Hindah (his wife), a Muslim woman observant of fasting and prayer, remain valid or not?

Answer

To utter such words is a grave sin; the jurists have pronounced takfir on one who utters such words. Moreover, this is not the belief of Muslims but the belief of disbelievers and atheists. Therefore it is necessary and obligatory for Zayd to repent sincerely as soon as possible, and he should also renew his marriage. In al-Bahr (vol. 5, p. 122)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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