As for those who are convinced and draw near to Allāh by labeling them a mushrik and applying the rulings associated with shirk (such as not praying upon them,

O brothers, this is, in reality, a recent issue, not one widely discussed in the works of classical scholars or early generations. They addressed the matter of excusing the ignorant broadly, affirming that ignorance can indeed be a valid excuse in religious matters, as many scholars have agreed. Engaging excessively in this debate offers little benefit. We preferred not to delve too deeply into it; yet the questioner specifically urged, "I ask you, by Allāh, to answer my question," and so we have answered accordingly. Concern yourselves with your own affairs. There is no need to delve into this matter. The affair is easy; all praise belongs to Allah. If someone subscribes to this view, then scholars have adopted this view; and if someone supports the alternative view, then others among the scholars have chosen that perspective. Yet they have lived in love, mutual respect, and harmony. We call for avoiding division, contention, and accusations in this matter. If anyone occupies themselves with this issue, accusing those who disagree as deviant or misguided, this is what we denounce. Furthermore, I caution those who have become preoccupied with this issue. We ask, "Whose side are you more aligned with?" Who, today, goes to extremes in denouncing Ahlus-Sunnah? You are effectively supporting and bolstering them on this point. This is not the forum to list detailed evidence on this matter; rather, we briefly referenced examples from some Companions who, before knowing better, engaged in practices without being labeled mushrik due to their ignorance. Once the matter was clarified, they refrained. Indeed, the mercy of Islam also necessitates this perspective. Consider a Muslim who lives by Islam, reads the Qur'an, observes the Sunnah, upholds the prayers, performs Hajj, makes Umrah, fasts, gives charity, perhaps prays by night and fasts by day, even walking on foot to the Sacred House. They follow whatever teachings of the religion reach them. If such a person, unaware that a particular act is shirk, unknowingly sacrifices at a grave, then passes away in that state, should we declare them a mushrik? Should we refuse them burial in Muslim cemeteries, refuse prayers for them, deny them inheritance, or forbid seeking mercy upon them? The mercy of Islam, which seeks the welfare of humankind, does not align with this stance. In no way do we diminish the significance of tawheed, which remains of utmost importance to us—the highest affair we call to, the best way through which we draw closer to Allāh through its spread, teaching, documentation, and warning against shirk. Shirk, the worship of anything other than Allāh, is a sin of unparalleled gravity. However, we assert that ignorance serves as a valid impediment to declaring disbelief, as made clear by explicit evidence. As Allāh says: { وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِیُضِلَّ قَوۡمَۢا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَىٰهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ یُبَیِّنَ لَهُم مَّا یَتَّقُونَ} “And Allāh would not misguide a people after He has guided them until He makes clear to them what they should avoid.” [Surah At-Tawbah: 115] Therefore, Allāh does not lead them astray without providing them clear guidance. Similarly, Allāh says,