Is it permissible for one coerced into uttering words of disbelief to comply?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
It is best for the one coerced into uttering words of disbelief (*kalimat al-kufr*) to remain steadfast and not utter them. This is evidenced by the account of Khabbab, relating from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), who mentioned men before who were sawed in half or tortured with iron combs without renouncing their faith. The incident of the People of the Ditch is also cited, where believers were thrown into a fire pit until a woman hesitated due to her infant, prompting the child to urge her to remain steadfast upon the truth.
Supporting text
The view held is that if the coerced person merely utters the word and is then left alone, there is no harm. However, if coercion implies continued residency among disbelievers requiring adherence to disbelief, permitting forbidden acts, abandoning obligations, and committing prohibited deeds, including unlawful marriage and having children outside the faith, this necessitates a different ruling, as it implies a complete transition to true disbelief, moving away from the pure monotheistic faith (Hanifiyyah).