If scholars describe someone as a zindiq, does that mean he is a disbeliever?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner asks: If scholars describe someone as a zindiq, does that mean he is a disbeliever?

Answer:
The zindiq, according to the later scholars, is the hypocrite about whom the Qur'an was revealed, who displays disbelief while concealing faith, or who displays faith while concealing disbelief. This is the zindiq: one who displays faith while concealing disbelief in Allah (Mighty and Majestic). This is a hypocrite or a zindiq; the meaning is the same. Yes.