Is the repentance of a dissembler (Zindiq) accepted?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
The repentance of one who dissembles in disbelief (Zindiq), whether they conceal their disbelief or not, is accepted, and they are not to be executed. This view is held by Al-Kharqi, Al-Shafi'i, and Al-Anbari. It is also narrated from Ali and Ibn Mas'ud, and it is one narration attributed to Ahmad, chosen by Abu Bakr Al-Khall as preferable according to the madhhab of Abu Abdillah (Ahmad). The evidence for accepting repentance is the saying of Allah: "Except for those who repent, rectify, and make clear [what they concealed]" (Quran 2:160). Furthermore, Allah commanded: "Say to those who disbelieve, if they cease, what has previously passed will be forgiven for them" (Quran 8:38). The Prophet's mercy toward hypocrites who showed outward signs of faith, despite Allah informing him of their inner state, also supports this, as exemplified by the case of Makhshi ibn Humayr, whose repentance was accepted.
Supporting text
The opposing view holds that the repentance of a Zindiq is not accepted, nor is that of one who repeatedly reverts to disbelief. This is the position of Malik, Al-Layth, and Ishaq. Two narrations exist from Abu Hanifah mirroring these two views. Abu Bakr preferred the non-acceptance of the Zindiq's repentance because a Zindiq's outward declaration of repentance is equivalent to their previous outward display of Islam, thus offering no new certainty of sincerity, citing the verse: "Except for those who repent, rectify, and make clear" (Quran 2:160). For one who repeatedly reverts, the evidence cited is: "Indeed, those who have believed, then disbelieved, then believed, then disbelieved, and then increased in disbelief, never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way [out]" (Quran 4:137).