Does the requirement for a period of time to pass before accepting the testimony of a repentant innovator (Mubtadi') differ from other sins?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
The correct position is that repentance from religious innovation (bid'ah) is treated like repentance from other sins. However, if the repentance appears coerced, such as in the case of Sabigh whose repentance followed physical punishment and ostracization, a period must pass to ensure the repentance stems from sincerity and not compulsion.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi mentioned that a year must pass for the repentant innovator, referencing the hadith concerning Sabigh. A sign of the sincerity of repentance from innovation is avoiding the company of innovators and aligning with the people of Sunnah. The ruler may tell one who openly commits a sin, "Repent, and I will accept your testimony."