However...

However, the Shia perspective on Takfīr challenges this history by calling for restraint, justice, and humility, reminding Muslims that no political authority or group has the right to monopolize faith. In a nutshell, the Shia perspective on Takfīr teaches that making such a declaration is not only harmful but also a deeply irresponsible act that endangers one’s own spiritual integrity.

’ Perspectives on Takfīr In Shia thought, the question of Takfīr is approached with both theological depth and moral sensitivity. The Shia perspective on Takfīr insists that only God can truly judge belief and disbelief, since the inner state of a person’s faith cannot be measured by others. Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq taught his companions not to accuse those who pray toward the same qiblah and bear the same testimony of disbelief, for they are their brothers in Islam.

This principle captures the Shia attitude toward other Muslims: inclusion, not exclusion. The Imāmī jurists, drawing on the Sunnah of the Prophet and the teachings of the Imams (peace be upon them), have likewise prohibited declaring the People of the Qiblah or those who profess the Shahādatayn [the two testimonies] as unbelievers. This is evident from their discussions regarding the criteria of Islam and disbelief.

Shaykh Ṣadūq, in his book al-Hidāyah , defines the criterion of Islam as the acknowledgment of the Shahādatayn , which ensures the protection of life and property: “Islam is thus the acknowledgment of the Shahādatayn, and through this acknowledgment, life and property are safeguarded. Whoever says Lā ilāha illā Allāh, Muḥammad Rasūl Allāh has their life and property protected.

[15] “ Allāmah Majlisī, in explaining the criterion of Islam, states: “Islam consists of an outward acknowledgment of God’s existence and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUHH), without denying any of the essentials of the religion…. Accordingly, hypocrites and all Muslims who recite the Shahādatayn, except for the nawāsib and extremists (ghulāt), are considered part of Islam.

[16] “ Regarding the criterion for disbelief, they explain: “A disbeliever is one who denies either of the Shahādatayn or denies an essential of religion whose essentiality is known from the Prophet’s religion (PBUHH). [17] “ Therefore, the Shia perspective on Takfīr is that, as long as these two pillars are affirmed, one’s life, property, and dignity are protected.