Those who call themselves the legislative authority and legislate laws that contradict the Shari'ah: does this act alone cause them to exit the religion?

The questioner : In reality, this topic is connected to what we know: judging by what Allah has revealed applies to this, or leads to disbelief in belief (i'tiqadi) and verbal disbelief (lafdhi) as well. So, the one who does not consider it permissible is, in our view, one who has committed a major sin. And the one who considers it permissible is known to be in a state of disbelief in belief that expels him from the religion. My question now is: But now we know of the rulers who call themselves the legislative authority, who legislate these laws that are far from... Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Does their mere act mean they consider themselves, in light of this, to be outside the religion?

The Shaykh : This example, or any other, requires us to apply the previous rule, which is the legal reality: the established distinction between practical disbelief (kufr 'amali) and disbelief in belief (kufr i'tiqadi). Their statement is undoubtedly disbelief, verbal disbelief. Then one looks at what is in their hearts. If they believe that they have the authority to legislate, then the statement of the Exalted applies to them: , and the other verses . So, these people are at least, and certainly, in a state of verbal disbelief or practical disbelief. And some among them may have fallen into disbelief in belief or heart-based disbelief, or they may not have. And this, of course, is what is in the hearts, and only the Knower of the Unseen knows it. If they express it with their tongues, as we often hear from some who do not name it explicitly but say to you, "This prayer was in a past time and has ended," then that is the clearest expression of what is in his heart, and he deserves to be declared a disbeliever. It is not permissible to joke with him, or to... or anything else. So, this question also falls under this scale: the distinction between disbelief in belief and practical disbelief.

The questioner : Yes, even...

The Shaykh : Without a doubt, all violations of the Shari'ah are the same in that they may involve either disbelief in belief or disbelief of disobedience (ma'siyyah). For example, the one who consumes riba (usury or interest); riba is not less than any other sin, especially since the Messenger (peace be upon him) included it among the seven major sins. So, is the one who consumes riba, who has committed a major sin, declared a disbeliever? The same distinction applies: if he considers it permissible practically, he is one who has committed a major sin; and if he also considers it permissible in his heart, then he is not a Muslim. So, any sin is weighed by this scale.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.