The ruling on one who drinks intoxicants while knowing their prohibition

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, if a person commits a major sin, such as drinking intoxicants, while knowing it is forbidden, but his heart does not condemn it; rather, he desires it, does he become a disbeliever because of his lack of condemnation in his heart?

Answer:
No, he does not become a disbeliever as long as he has not considered it lawful. If he merely drinks the intoxicant, this is a sin. As long as he has not considered it lawful, it is a major sin that necessitates the hadd punishment and major ritual impurity, but he does not become a disbeliever unless he has considered it lawful or worn the garment of the one who makes it lawful. Yes, this is sufficient. And Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon...