Explanation of the Hadith: "Whoever says to his brother, 'O disbeliever...'"

Question:
It is reported in a hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever declares a Muslim to be a disbeliever, he has committed disbelief." So, if a person declares a Muslim to be a disbeliever, does that person become a disbeliever and an apostate? Or does this hadith merely indicate the severity of declaring a Muslim to be a disbeliever?

Answer:
I do not know the authenticity of this specific wording at the moment, but its meaning is correct. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: This means: if the person to whom it was said is not deserving of it, it returns to the one who said it. It is not permissible for a Muslim to declare his brother a disbeliever, nor to say "O enemy of Allah" or "O sinner" without evidence. If he accuses his brother of disbelief and that is not the case, his words return to him.
The meaning is a warning; it does not mean that it is major shirk (associating partners with Allah). Rather, it means a warning against this bad speech, and that its speaker is in great danger if he says it to his brother. One should guard his tongue and not speak except with insight.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good and benefit you with your knowledge.