970 - Ibrahim ibn al-Khalil informed me, saying: Ahmad ibn Nasr Abu Hamid al-Khaffaf narrated to us that Ahmad ibn Hanbal was asked about the one who says, 'I am a Muslim,' and does not return [from it]. He said: 'When he prays and bears witness, he is compelled toward Islam.' He also said: 'It is appropriate for the Murji'ah, when he says, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah," [that he] be compelled toward Islam, whereas the Murji'ah say: "It is only the declaration [of faith]."'