Although the speaker of these words (mentioned in the question) intended nothing but good (that is, to invite people to put their trust in Allah and rely on Him, and not be worried and distressed), what is required of the individual is to observe proper etiquette when addressing the Lord of the Worlds and speaking of Him, and he should take care to speak of Allah, may He be exalted, in words that are appropriate to His greatness, majesty and perfection.

The ruling on the apostate is the same as the ruling on a disbeliever (kaafir); he may return to Islam by saying the shahaadah, and it is sufficient for himto say it as follows: “Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah (I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).” In order for it to be valid, it is not essential for him to add the words, “wahdahu laa shareeka lah (alone, with no partner).” But it must be noted that uttering the testimony of Tawheed (affirming the oneness of Allah) must be accompanied by sincere belief in the heart and certain faith in what this testimony indicates.