I Need Answers About Kufr

[muhsinmuttaqi]

Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahee wa Barakatu

I am watching a German Islamic website where a shaykh gives lessons in German.

He teaches that drinking alcohol is kufr.

The way he says I show as follows:

He teaches that if you see a Muslim drinking alkohol then you don't have the right/permission to call him a kafir, but you have to tell him that what he is doing is kufr.


Question:

1. Is is correct to tell the sinning Muslim if he drinks alkohol that he commits kufr?
2. Are committing major sins a kind of kufr?
3. Is there a type of kufr that does not necessarily makes you a kafir?
4. What is the difference between kufr and a Major sin?
5. When does a sin becomes kufr?

[Mubarak]

Assalam alaikum Muhsin,


1. Is is correct to tell the sinning Muslim if he drinks alkohol that he commits kufr?..
What is correct is to enjoin the good and forbid the evil and furthermore, it would probably be better for both parties, if the person who is correcting the one who had fallen into error; for that individual to use good manners during his approach. Yes, an act such as Zina causes faith to leave (the heart), according to a hadeeth reported in Abu Dawood which was authenticated by Albaani, but what is important to note is, the offering of good advise through gentle means. For example, if a brother you know has fallen into such a sin (drinking alcohol, zina, etc) dont call him a kafir nor look down upon him rather, sit him down, educate him and advise him to make tawbah. I hope my answer was of some help insha'Allah.

[Mubarak]

...Are committing major sins a kind of kufr?There are some major sins that are considered to be acts of kufr but they (the actions) do not make a Muslim a kafir, then there are other major sins, upon which if uttered or acted on, will make a believer into a kafir. For example, associating anything in worship with Allah is a major sin and makes someone a kafir, but an action such as physically fighting a believer is considered to be an action of kufr but does not make a Muslim a kafir (and Allah knows best). Confusing? I hope not insha'Allah.

A question very similar to your question was presented to Sheikh Hamed Al-`Ali and he responded with the following answer:

“Whoever commits a major sin is to be treated as a Muslim because a Muslim is not regarded as Kafir (disbeliever) for committing major sins. However, we should advise this person, guide him to the straight path, and warn him against the consequences of committing sins"

And Allah knows best