Source: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Volume 09
"Whoever leaves the ‘Asr prayer, his deeds are nullified."
(Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith indicates that neglecting even one of the obligatory prayers can lead to the nullification of one's deeds, such as the Jumu‘ah prayer. Scholars differ regarding whether abandoning prayer constitutes disbelief.
✔ One who sincerely professes the Kalimah of Tawhid will not remain in Hell forever, and will eventually be saved by Allah’s mercy.
✔ Greeting such a person with Salam is permissible, as long as they maintain an outward Islamic identity.
❖ Question 1:
A person performs the Jumu‘ah prayer but neglects the other daily prayers. Is such a person considered a disbeliever (kafir)?❖ Answer:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:"Whoever leaves the ‘Asr prayer, his deeds are nullified."
(Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith indicates that neglecting even one of the obligatory prayers can lead to the nullification of one's deeds, such as the Jumu‘ah prayer. Scholars differ regarding whether abandoning prayer constitutes disbelief.
- Some scholars hold that one who consistently abandons prayer falls into a state of disbelief (kufr).
- Others maintain that such a person is a sinful transgressor (fasiq) but does not reach the level of kufr.
❖ Question 2:
Will a person who professes the Kalimah of Tawhid remain in Hell forever, or will they eventually be removed due to their belief?❖ Answer:
A person who sincerely professes the Kalimah of Tawhid, even if guilty of a major sin such as abandoning prayer, will not remain in Hell eternally. Prophetic Hadiths confirm that one who affirms the Kalimah from the heart will ultimately be granted salvation by the mercy of Allah, although they may undergo punishment for their sins.❖ Question 3:
Should such a person be greeted with Salam?❖ Answer:
Although the person neglects obligatory prayers, if they publicly identify as a Muslim, it is permissible to greet them with Salam. As observed with the hypocrites during the Prophet's time—who outwardly performed Salah—they were still treated with Islamic social etiquette.❖ Summary:
✔ A person who abandons Salah may be regarded either as a disbeliever or a sinful Muslim, depending on scholarly interpretation.✔ One who sincerely professes the Kalimah of Tawhid will not remain in Hell forever, and will eventually be saved by Allah’s mercy.
✔ Greeting such a person with Salam is permissible, as long as they maintain an outward Islamic identity.
