"The consumer of alcohol is like the worshiper of an idol" (36). And similar instances to this, wherein the intent is to emphasize the severity of the threat, and this is the more correct of the two opinions, and Allah knows best.

Section: Whoever omits a condition [agreed upon regarding its validity] (37), or a pillar, such as purification, bowing (ruku'), and prostration (sujud), is like one who abandons the prayer entirely, his ruling being the same as the ruling for such an omission; for the existence of the prayer alongside such an omission is equivalent to its non-existence. If one omits something [the status of which is] a matter of dispute, such as the removal of impurity, the recitation of the Fatiha, composure (tuma'ninah), maintaining a straight posture between bowing and prostration, or between the two prostrations, while believing in the permissibility of that [omission], then there is nothing upon him. But if one omits it while believing it to be forbidden, he is required (38) to repeat the prayer. He is not to be killed on account of that under any circumstances; because it is a matter of dispute, making it analogous to one who marries without a guardian or one who steals wealth regarding which he has a doubt. And Allah knows best.