An example of assessing the state of the defiant one who is forbidden from doing something.
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The Shaykh : The triple divorce was considered a single divorce during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the time of Abu Bakr, and the first two years of 'Umar's caliphate. When this became widespread among the people, and it is a forbidden divorce, 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered that this divorce be treated as three. He said: . So he implemented it for them. When the drinking of intoxicants became widespread during his time (may Allah be pleased with him) — I mean the time of 'Umar — he consulted the Companions, and they advised him to make it eighty strokes instead of forty. He increased it because the state of the people had changed. One must distinguish between the one who is commanded to do something and the one who is forbidden from doing something and is defiant, and the person who has some ignorance, and each is dealt with according to what befits his state.
This is what I wish to point out regarding this serious matter in which many people have fallen today, to the extent that we have heard of some good young men who seek the truth and have zeal, who declare others disbelievers for the slightest reason. This principle — I mean the principle of declaring someone a disbeliever — is the principle of the Khawarij, whom 'Ali ibn Abi Talib fought, and their story is well known in history. It is obligatory for us not to let our tongues run loose in a matter in which we will sin before Allah and which will cause division among the servants of Allah. Rather, it is obligatory for us all to be one community, advising one another and loving one another for the sake of Allah, to the extent that we are able to carry out the obedience of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) to make us and you among the callers to the truth with insight, and to grant us from Him mercy. Indeed, He is the Bestower.
I see that the people have become lax in a matter in which there was previously deliberation, so if we were to implement it for them.
أرى الناس قد تتايعوا في أمر كانت له فيه أناة فلو أمضيناه عليهمThis is what I wish to point out regarding this serious matter in which many people have fallen today, to the extent that we have heard of some good young men who seek the truth and have zeal, who declare others disbelievers for the slightest reason. This principle — I mean the principle of declaring someone a disbeliever — is the principle of the Khawarij, whom 'Ali ibn Abi Talib fought, and their story is well known in history. It is obligatory for us not to let our tongues run loose in a matter in which we will sin before Allah and which will cause division among the servants of Allah. Rather, it is obligatory for us all to be one community, advising one another and loving one another for the sake of Allah, to the extent that we are able to carry out the obedience of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) to make us and you among the callers to the truth with insight, and to grant us from Him mercy. Indeed, He is the Bestower.