Islamic Aqeedah is the basis of the Deen. Once an individual embraces the Iman which settles in the heart and the mind is convinced of its soundness, that individual ensures that he/she strives to fulfill ALL the commands of Allah (swt). Gradualism is not permitted in Islam.

On the issue of gradualism - there is a distinction here that is often mixed together & seems to have been overlooked:

1) Gradual legislation/revelation
2) Gradual implementation

Islam was legislated gradually. Rules weren't sent down all at once. But any given rule was always implemented immediately. So for example when the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca, the revelation was given while Muhammad SAW was praying. The new rule wasn't implemented for the next prayer, rather he SAW changed direction mid-prayer & those who prayed behind him did likewise. Similar is the case with alcohol. 

Since then, Islam has been fully conveyed and is complete i.e. the legislation process has finished. So the only outstanding issue here is one of implementation. The above argument shows that there is absolutely no precedence for gradual implementation.

When someone newly submits to Islam, they submit to all of its laws. They are obliged to abstain from all that is haram, effective immediately. They are also obliged to fulfil all their obligations according to their capability (the ruling hear is more detailed). So, for example, if one enters into Islam, they can't carry on drinking on the basis that this rule was legislated gradually.

How easy/difficult this is on a convert is down to the strength of their conviction of what they are getting themselves into. So people who enter Islam on spiritual grounds (i.e. rituals and morals) alone may have a hard time initially.

This subject has been mentioned several times in the Friday speeches, but without explaining the differences between gradual legislation and gradual implementation.

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