The first category:

Those who are ignorant of the truth (and) do not know anything in regards to it, negligence didn’t occur from them in seeking it, while they thought that which they were upon is the truth, then (this category) are excused (with ignorance).

The second category:

Those who know the truth, but they rejected it out of fanaticism to their leaders, then (this category) are not excused (with ignorance).

They are like the ones Allah said in regards to them:

‎إِنَّا وَجَدْنَا آبَاءَنَا عَلَىٰ أُمَّةٍ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِم مُّهْتَدُونَ

“We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps.”

[43:22]

[At Taqaaseem Al Aqadiya Fi Kutub Al Uthayminiyah, Page 48]

Translated by

Majid Jawed Al Afghanee
Abu Layl