The Difference Between One Who Denies the Obligation of Fasting and One Who Abandons It Out of Laziness

Question:
Is there a difference between one who denies the fasting of Ramadan and one who does not deny it but never fasts?

Answer:
Yes, there is a difference. One who denies the fasting and says it is not obligatory commits kufr (disbelief) and apostatizes from the religion of Islam; he apostatizes from the religion of Islam even if he fasts, saying, "I am fasting, but I believe it is not obligatory; it is a voluntary act, or I am fasting like the people, but it is not obligatory." This person apostatizes from the religion of Islam because he is lying to Allah and His Messenger and denying what is known from the religion by necessity. As for one who acknowledges its obligation and believes it is obligatory, but breaks his fast out of laziness or out of love for food and drink, he does not commit kufr, but he is considered a sinner and one who has committed a major sin. He is to be disciplined, and he is required to make up the day on which he ate or drank. Yes. Ah.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.