What is the ruling on calling someone who abandons prayer a "disbeliever"?

Question:
Is it permissible for us to say to someone who abandons prayer: "You are a disbeliever"?

Answer:
There is no harm; he is a disbeliever, whether you say it or not. Whoever abandons prayer is a disbeliever. However, if he abandons it, when advising him, you should say to him: "Fear Allah. Prayer is the pillar of Islam. Whoever abandons it commits disbelief." Do not say, "You are a disbeliever," until you have advised him; perhaps this will be more acceptable and closer to accepting the advice.
Do not start by declaring him a disbeliever. Say to him: "O so-and-so, fear Allah. Prayer is the pillar of Islam, the foundation of Islam. Whoever abandons it commits disbelief. Fear Allah, preserve it, and hasten to it." Such things are more appropriate than starting by saying, "You are a disbeliever," meaning starting with this and confronting him with it. It may be a cause of aversion and refusal to accept the advice. But start with the advice.