The Ruling on Declaring the Jahmiyyah and Those Who Follow Them Disbelievers

Question:
The questioner: Is there a difference in the scholars' ruling on the disbelief of the Jahmiyyah and those who follow them?

Answer:
Defining the distinction: They establish general criteria. If one says such-and-such while believing it, he is declared a disbeliever. The types of apostasy and its causes are numerous and well-known in the books of the scholars. They do not intend a specific sect or a specific person, but rather, if one does such-and-such or says such-and-such, his apostasy is ruled upon and he is called to repent. These are rules applied to actions and statements. And who applies them?
The scholars of knowledge apply them. Does every person apply them, or does every person rule that people are apostates or innovators? That is not permissible. Rather, this is referred to the scholars of knowledge and those who have understanding of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes.