Is ignorance an excuse in matters of tawhid (the oneness of Allah)?

The questioner : In matters of tawhid (the oneness of Allah), is one excused by ignorance as well?

The Shaykh : How?

The questioner : In matters of tawhid (the oneness of Allah), if a person prostrates to an idol or throws the mushaf (a written copy of the Qur'an) into filth, for example, is he also excused by ignorance?

The Shaykh : Excused by ignorance?

The questioner: Yes.
The student: Go ahead.

The Shaykh : I think you were present when we discussed that takfir (declaring someone a disbeliever) is based on intention, and we cleared the Muslim of takfir (declaring someone a disbeliever) if he did not intend it. You were present.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : Now, regarding the example or examples you are raising, you ask: Is he excused or not? I am asking you: Was he intentional or unintentional? It is not a question of whether he is excused or not. And I am throwing this question behind you to remind you of something that is explicitly stated in the Noble Qur'an, which is that when Musa (peace be upon him) was informed by his brother Harun (peace be upon him) that his people had worshipped the calf after him, his anger flared up and he threw down the tablets that were in his hand. Did Musa (peace be upon him) become a disbeliever?

The questioner : Musa (peace be upon him) or his people?

The Shaykh : Musa (peace be upon him), who threw down the tablets.

The questioner: No.

The Shaykh : This is a problem, heh heh. May Allah forgive you, O 'Umar.