BENEFIT 524: What is the proper criterion for العذر بالجهل (excusing someone on the basis of ignorance)?

Sheikh Najeeb Ash-Shar’abi ḥafidhahullāh said: One who lacks Tawḥīd due to ignorance is not called a Muslim; rather, he is a mushrik (polytheist). Some scholars have transmitted a consensus on this point. However, his wealth and blood are not deemed lawful until the proof has been established against him. This is the meaning of excusing him on the basis of ignorance. This applies in worldly matters. As for the Hereafter, his affair is entrusted to Allāh the Exalted. He will be tested on the Day of Resurrection by being commanded to enter the Fire: if he enters it, it will be coolness and safety for him; and if he refuses to enter it, he will be dragged into it— as mentioned in the two hadiths of Al-Aswad ibn Sarīʿ and Abū Hurayrah (may Allāh be pleased with them both). If, however, a person falls into disbelief that expels one from Islam due to ignorance in a matter that is not manifestly clear, while the foundation of Tawḥīd remains intact, then he remains a Muslim and is not declared a disbeliever until the proof is established against him. In such cases, ignorance constitutes one of the impediments to takfīr. I also have a well-known didactic poem from my earliest days of study at Dār Al-Ḥadīth in Dammāj, concerning the impediments to takfīr, in which I said: موانع التكفير يا خليلُ * الجهل والإكراه والتأويلُ The impediments to takfīr, O dear friend, Are (1) ignorance, (2) coercion, and (3) misinterpretation. إن كان سائغًا كذا النسيانُ * والخطأ، لِيَهْنِكَ البيانُ If it is acceptable—likewise (4) forgetfulness, And (5) mistake; may clarity be yours. فتلك خمسة أخي النبيها * جاء الدليل مرشدًا إليها These are five, my perceptive brother, which the evidence have come guiding to. Source: https://t.me/qweasdzxcmnblkjpoik/5970