Q: More than three years ago, Allah guided me to the right path after I was astray. I felt the light and sweetness of Iman (Faith) in my heart, but I made light of some matters, such as sitting with friends who were not very religiously committed. They used to talk about lots of things, some of which involved sins, but I did not recognize the danger of sitting with them until I found myself talking in the same way, even about the Din (religion). But Allah guided me and I distanced myself from these gatherings. For about one year now I have been careful about what I say so as not to say anything that could ruin me. Most of the time, I have been able to overcome my desire to take part in futile talk and joining people in their nonsense, but I have committed a sin that I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to forgive. One of my friends invited me to have a cold drink with him. I found myself saying: "Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah," due to not being aware that it was an Ayah (verse) from the Qur’an. I am afraid that my words will be considered as Ta’wil (allegorical interpretation) of the Ayah. We Egyptians usually say: "`Azmak (I am inviting you)" when we invite someone to dinner, for a drink, or suchlike, whereas the word "Azamt (to take a decision)" in the Ayah means that if you resolve to do something, then place your trust in Allah and go for it. (Part No. 24; Page No. 315) My tongue was tempted by Satan and I quoted the Ayah, despite my hesitancy when I was saying it. But before I had completed the Ayah, I regretted it deeply, and also afterwards, even though it all happened unintentionally as a play on words. I was not intentionally giving allegorical interpretation and I seek refuge with Allah from that. This happened more than two months ago, but I heard a tape by Shaykh Abdul-Hamid Kishk, in which he declared the one who mocks or plays with the Ayahs of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to be a Kafir (disbeliever). All this cast fear into my heart and I fear that I have become one of those he was talking about. I now live in fear and anxiety that I have fallen into that which Allah has forbidden. I assure Your Eminence that my words were an unintentional automatic response and I could not hold my tongue. I have made the intention to perform Hajj - with the Permission of Allah - hoping to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) of all my sins and resolving never to commit them again. What is your opinion on the slip of my tongue? Will my Hajj be a Kaffarah (expiation) for this sin? May Allah reward you with the best!

A: First: All praise be to Allah that He guided you to the good, threw the light of Iman into your heart, and helped you avoid evil, evil doers, and their bad company. We hope that Allah will make you steadfast on this and bless you with much success and guidance.Second: If, as you mentioned, these words came out of your mouth unintentionally without you meaning to recite the Qur’an, and that you regret it and have repented to Allah, there is no sin or blame on you. (Part No. 24; Page No. 316) We ask Allah to forgive you and us.Third: If you have not yet gone on Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah and you are physically and financially able to perform this Faridah (obligatory act), you must perform it, because it is one of the Pillars of Islam. In this way you will reap recompense and much Thawab (reward from Allah) and draw closer to Allah, and He will forgive you your sins out of His Grace and Bounty.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.