The Excuse of Ignorance?

Question:

What is your opinion in regards to the statement of the one who says: Indeed one who comitts shirk and kufr is not declared to be an unbeliever, except after him having knowledge of the affair in its entirety?

Answer:

If the likes of this person is ignorant, due to him residing in a land which is cut off and nothing has reached him, then he is excused [for his ignorance]. As for the one who lives in the land of the Muslims, hearing the Qu'ran, hearing the Ahadeeth, hearing the speech of the people of knowledge [Scholars], then this one is not excused with ignorance; since the proof has been established upon him.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
Silsilatu sharhir-Rasaail, p117.

Translated by Abu 'Abdillaah al-Kashmiri