You mentioned that the Jahmiyyah were declared disbelievers by five hundred scholars; can it be said that the scholars have reached a consensus on declaring them disbelievers?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. You mentioned that the Jahmiyyah were declared disbelievers by five hundred scholars; can it be said that the scholars have reached a consensus on declaring them disbelievers?

Answer:
Yes, those who are not followers of a specific school (mقلids) and who do so intentionally are undoubtedly disbelievers. As for those among them who follow a school without independent reasoning (mقلids), they are excused due to ignorance and are considered people of misguidance. One does not declare a follower of a school (mقلid) or one who interprets the text figuratively (muta'wil) to be a disbeliever. However, the Jahmiyyah who lead this vile school are disbelievers without doubt, and their leaders are disbelievers. As for their followers and those who follow them without independent reasoning, they are not declared disbelievers. Yes.