Al-Mu'tasim, Al-Ma'mun, and Al-Wathiq, when they claimed that the Quran was created and forced people to accept this, and died upon it—are they disbelievers or Muslims? The basic ruling is that they are Muslims.

But they were affected by a doubt, and those who were their corrupt advisors made it seem good to them. That is why, whenever we make du'a for the leaders of the Muslims, what do we say?

Grant them righteous advisors.

Sincere ones. So Al-Ma'mun, Al-Wathiq, and Al-Mu'tasim did not have righteous, sincere advisors; on the contrary, they had corrupt advisors.

And Imam Ahmad says: Everyone who harmed me regarding the issue of creation, I have forgiven him except the head of bid'a, Ahmad ibn Abi Du'ad.

So he forgave everyone who spoke against him, including Al-Mu'tasim, Al-Ma'mun, and Al-Wathiq, and so on. No, it is not said that they are disbelievers, but rather that they are misguided and people of bid'a, yes, but it does not reach the point where it is said.

Disbelievers. Okay.