Does the hadith “He has removed the rope of Islam from his neck” mean disbelief and leaving the religion?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: In the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “He has removed the rope of Islam from his neck,” is this an explicit declaration of disbelief and leaving Islam? Is this understanding correct?

Answer:
No, it is not an explicit declaration of disbelief. “Removing the rope of Islam” means severing the bond with the Muslims, which entails obedience to the ruler. Yes, it is as if he was originally bound to the Muslims, but when he disobeyed the ruler, he removed the rope of Islam. He is no longer with the community of Muslims, like a beast that was initially tethered and safe from wolves, but when it was released, it became exposed to wolves and thieves. This is his case. I ask Allah for you. He was in safety; there was safety. But when he disobeyed the ruler and rebelled against the community of Muslims, he became in fear and threatened with danger, because being with the Muslims and under the obedience of the Muslim ruler is safety and a great blessing. Yes.