What is the criterion for deeming something permissible that causes its practitioner to become an apostate?

The questioner : Shaykh, what is the criterion for considering something permissible that causes its holder to become an apostate?

The Shaykh : This is to greet his brothers who asked previous questions; the matter has already been discussed. The criterion is whether the consideration of permissibility is in the heart or in practice.

The questioner : Okay, Shaykh, excuse me; regarding practical permissibility, meaning the people who consider singing permissible, is it practical permissibility, or are the practical and the heart-based the same, or is it one of them?

The Shaykh : Both and both, no, no, both and both.

The questioner : Meaning, is it possible for the practical to be connected to the heart-based?

The Shaykh : Yes, and it is possible for it to be separated from it.

The questioner : Okay, meaning it is separated from it in the case of the people who consider singing permissible due to the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?

The Shaykh : And I mean separation in the negative and the positive; meaning: a man who considers intoxicants permissible in his heart, this is a disbeliever; correct?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : But he does not drink intoxicants, he does not drink intoxicants. Another believes that drinking intoxicants is forbidden, but he drinks intoxicants. A third and final one: he combines both calamities, considering it permissible in his heart and in his practice.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh: Is it clear?

The questioner : Yes, it is clear.