What is the opinion on the statement of the one who says that the ignorant polytheist is not punished by Allah except when the proof is established against him?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the opinion on the statement of the one who says that the ignorant polytheist is called a polytheist, but the punishment and retribution do not occur except after the proof is established?

Answer:
We judge based on the outward appearance, as for the hearts, we do not know about them; only Allah judges them. So, if one displays shirk (associating partners with Allah), we rule that he is a polytheist. As for what is in his heart, that is up to Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Do you say that the one who calls upon other than Allah is a Muslim? Do you inherit from him? Do you marry him? Do you bury him in the Muslim cemeteries? And he calls upon other than Allah, and you say, "I do not know about his heart? I do not know what is in his heart?" This is not correct. We deal with the outward appearance, and the hearts are up to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Yes.