Q:
1. Some say that actually saying the shahaadah is not required to be considered a Muslim and rather just to actually believe in your heart while others say that you have to actually say the shahaadah, which is correct?
2. Why does the Hanafi madhab believe that despite not praying, as long as they believe in the shahaadah's message, people can still be considered Muslim and eventually enter paradise. If it is said that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s uncle believed that his nephew was not lying and telling the truth yet will enter hell? Is it because he refused to say the shahaadah, regardless of whats in his heart?
A:
1. Both are important. The belief is the act of the heart, but the act of the heart will not be understood or witnessed until one does not declare the shahaadah.
2. His uncle refused to believe right till the end. The requirement of shahaadah is belief in Allah Ta`ala and belief in Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) being the rasool of Allah Ta`ala. Just knowing that he is truthful is not belief. Rather, after knowing then it is to accept it wholehearedly and openly. This is the meaning of belief.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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