A report from a single narrator: If it is established with some but not others, is denying it considered apostasy?
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The questioner : We mentioned, O Shaykh, that a report from a single narrator that is not established with the others does not make its denier an apostate. Now, is the consensus of the Muslims established with them regarding this limit?
The Shaykh : Let us leave the issue of stoning; that is a separate matter. Stoning is not agreed upon, even among the Muslims; it is not a matter of consensus.
The questioner : But what about the general rule?
The Shaykh : In terms of the general rule, a report from a single narrator may be established with me but not with another. So if it is not established with him, how can we say that his denial is apostasy? It is not possible. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
The questioner : Now, O Shaykh, the Rafidah and those of their ilk say, "O Shaykh, the reports from single narrators are not established with us, but reports are established with us that are not from single narrators."
The Shaykh : Now, if they say this, then the Muslims other than them have established these reports, so they would be outside the consensus.
The Shaykh : Let us leave the issue of stoning; that is a separate matter. Stoning is not agreed upon, even among the Muslims; it is not a matter of consensus.
The questioner : But what about the general rule?
The Shaykh : In terms of the general rule, a report from a single narrator may be established with me but not with another. So if it is not established with him, how can we say that his denial is apostasy? It is not possible. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
The questioner : Now, O Shaykh, the Rafidah and those of their ilk say, "O Shaykh, the reports from single narrators are not established with us, but reports are established with us that are not from single narrators."
The Shaykh : Now, if they say this, then the Muslims other than them have established these reports, so they would be outside the consensus.