"No one who commits Zina is a believer at the moment when he is committing Zina; no one who steals is a believe at the moment when he is stealing; no one who drinks wine is a believer at the moment when he is drinking it; and no robber is a believer at the moment when he is robbing and the people are looking on.
The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief - Sunan an-Nasa'i
This profound hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i 4870 addresses the temporary suspension of faith (iman) during major sins. Classical scholars explain this does not mean complete apostasy, but rather that the perfection of faith leaves the sinner during the commission of these grave acts.
Scholarly Commentary on the Nature of Faith
Imam an-Nawawi explains that faith (iman) consists of belief in the heart, verbal affirmation, and physical actions. When major sins are committed, the aspect of faith manifested through actions is temporarily suspended while the fundamental belief remains.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that this refers to the "perfection of faith" rather than its essence. The believer's fundamental faith remains, but its complete manifestation and protection are absent during the sin.
Conditions for the Application
Scholars stipulate that this ruling applies when the sinner: 1) Commits the act willingly without coercion, 2) Is aware of its prohibition, 3) Does so while possessing legal capacity (mukallaf), and 4) The act meets all conditions for being considered that particular major sin.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This teaching serves as a powerful deterrent while maintaining hope for repentance. The temporary nature indicates that return to full faith is possible through sincere tawbah (repentance). The specification "at the moment" emphasizes the immediate spiritual consequence without permanent excommunication from the Muslim community.