Definition and Ruling of the Zindīq in Islamic Law
Author: Imran Ayub Lahori
❖ Definitions of Zindīq
Scholars have provided multiple definitions:
✔ According to Shāfiʿī Jurists:
A Zindīq is one who outwardly professes Islam while concealing disbelief, and who believes in the invalidity of revealed laws.
[al-Fiqh al-Islāmī wa Adillatuhu 7/5577; al-Rawḍah al-Nadiyyah 2/631; Fatḥ al-Bārī 14/271]
✔ Imām al-Nawawī رحمه الله:
One who is not affiliated with any religion is a Zindīq.
[Fatḥ al-Bārī 4/271]
✔ Imām Mālik رحمه الله:
Zandaqah refers to that which the hypocrites were upon.
[ibid.]
❖ Evidence from the Companions
➊ ʿIkrimah رضي الله عنه narrates:
«أتى على رضى الله عنه بزنادقة فأحرقهم»
“Some Zanādiqah were brought to ʿAlī رضي الله عنه, and he had them burnt.”
[Bukhārī: 6922, Kitāb Istitābat al-Murtaddīn: Bāb Ḥukm al-Murtadd wal-Murtaddah wa Istitābatuhum]
❖ Opinions of Scholars
✔ al-Shawkānī رحمه الله:
A Zindīq is among the greatest of Allah’s enemies and most deserving of execution.
[al-Sayl al-Jarrār 4/375]
✔ Dr. Wahbah al-Zuḥaylī رحمه الله:
He must be executed.
[al-Fiqh al-Islāmī wa Adillatuhu 7/5577]
❖ Conclusion
- A Zindīq is one who hides disbelief under the guise of Islam, denies Divine laws, or lives without affiliation to religion.
- The practice of the Companions, such as ʿAlī رضي الله عنه, shows that they executed such individuals.
- The scholars are in agreement that execution is the prescribed ruling for a Zindīq.
