What is the ruling on an apostate who pronounces the two testimonies but immediately declares that he did not intend Islam?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
If an unbeliever pronounces the two testimonies (Shahadatayn) and subsequently states that he did not intend Islam, he becomes an apostate and must be compelled to return to Islam. This ruling is explicitly stated by Ahmad in the narration of a group of scholars. His apostasy is confirmed because his initial declaration of faith was nullified by his subsequent statement of disbelief, and a ruling of apostasy has effectively been established.
Supporting text
A dissenting view, narrated from Ahmad, holds that his declaration should be accepted, and he should not be compelled to return to Islam because the possibility of him speaking truthfully exists, and his blood should not be shed based on a doubt. However, the former opinion is preferred because his initial utterance was treated as a declaration of Islam, meaning he falls under the ruling of an apostate who reverts, even if the period of his apparent Islam was brief.