Does the one who abandons prayer become a disbeliever?

Question:
In the words of the poet (may Allah have mercy on him), “Do not declare the people of prayer disbelievers, even if they disobey,” is there an indication that, in his view, the one who abandons prayer is a disbeliever?

Answer:
Yes, the one who abandons prayer is a disbeliever. If he denies its obligation, he is a disbeliever by the consensus of the Muslims, because some people say that religion is not the prayer of a person; a Muslim who does not pray is a disbeliever by consensus. However, if he acknowledges its obligation but abandons it out of laziness, there is a difference of opinion. The majority hold that he does not become a disbeliever in the sense of major disbelief, but rather in the sense of minor disbelief. A group of distinguished scholars held that he becomes a disbeliever in the sense of disbelief that takes one out of the religion. Among them are Imam Ahmad, Ishaq ibn Rahawayh, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn al-Qayyim. Many distinguished scholars hold this view.
The evidence is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: When “disbelief” comes with the definite article, it refers to major disbelief; when it comes as an indefinite noun, it refers to minor disbelief. As in his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): “Two characteristics…” , where “disbelief” means minor disbelief. Yes.