Is there a specific criterion for declaring something permissible, and is it necessary for one to utter words indicating that he considers the sin permissible?

The questioner:
Is there a specific criterion for declaring something permissible? And is it necessary for one to utter it?

The Shaykh:
In what respect?

The questioner:
Is there a specific criterion for declaring something permissible? And is it necessary for one to utter words indicating that he considers the sin permissible?

The Shaykh:
It is necessary for him to utter it, saying, "This is lawful," or to write in newspapers, journals, or books that riba (usury or interest) is lawful, or that khamr (intoxicants) is lawful, or that zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) is lawful; in that case, he is judged as a disbeliever. However, if he merely commits the act—committing zina, stealing, drinking khamr, or consuming riba—we do not judge him as a disbeliever based on the act alone; we judge him as an open sinner, and we do not judge him as a disbeliever. But if he writes or utters such a statement, we judge him as a disbeliever, even if he does not commit zina. If he says, "Zina is lawful," and he does not commit zina, or says, "Riba is lawful," and he does not consume riba, he becomes a disbeliever by this. Yes.