However, if the intent behind exposing the mistakes of
others is to dispraise their honour and to belittle them and their knowledge;
seeking to claim that such and such a scholar is actually and ignorant and
possesses no understanding and the likes, then this is Haraam. This is
irrespective of the scholar being present or such comments made in his absence
and is irrespective of the scholar being alive or having passed away.
This second type of intention falls under what Allaah,
the Most High, has mentioned in His Book with a stern caution against those who
spread backbiting and slander in word and in action. It is also included in the
statement of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] where he
said,
“Oh you who have believed on your tongues but have not
believed in their hearts! Do not harm the Muslims and do not seek to find
mistakes in them! Surely, those who seek to find mistakes in the Muslims,
Allaah will expose their own mistakes. He will be exposed even if he is hidden in
the most inner-secret place of his house.[1]”
Having correctness in manners are from the teachings
of the religious scholars - those taken as an example to follow in their
practice.
As for the people of innovation and misguidance, those
from them who are falsely perceived as being scholars but in actuality are not
people of knowledge, then it is permissible to expose their ignorance and make
apparent their faults, with the intention that the masses will be warned
against following them. Note, this exposure only applies to the people of
innovation and not the mistakes made by an upright scholar, and Allaah Knows
Best[2].
[1] Reported by at-Tirmidhee (2032) on the authority of
‘Abdallah bin ‘Umar [may Allaah be Pleased with him], Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh
(5763), al-Munthiree in at-Targheeb at-Tarheeb (3/241) and classed as Saheeh by
al-Albaanee in Saheeh at-Tirmidhee.
[2] How beautiful is this explanation?! No matter how
virtuous a person may be, everyone is prone to error. As Imaam Maalik [may
Allaah have Mercy on him] famously said, “Everyone’s statements are either
accepted or rejected except for the person in this grave” – he then pointed at
the grave of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him]. As
infallibility belongs only to Allaah and His Messenger, regardless of the
status of the one who makes the mistakes, we are all obliged to point out what
is correct as long one is pure in his intention. As for those whose intention
is only to defame and insult or to expose, then this is not from the way of the
scholars, rather such a degree of immaturity is from the people of innovation. Those
with such intentions are sinning gravely and the implications of their sin is
severe. Applied to them is the statement of the Prophet, “Whoever goes to war
with My Friend then I Proclaim war against such a person.” [Reported by
al-Bukhaaree (6502)]. Applied to him is the Statement of Allaah, the Most High,
“Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.” [al-Humazah 104:1].
Applied to him is the Statement of Allaah, the Most High,
“A slanderer, going about with calumnies” [al-Qalam 68:11]
So whoever’s intention is to insult and defame the scholars and raise
themselves to a platform which the Salaf refused to give themselves, then we
remind them of the statement of Ibn ‘Asaakir [may Allaah have Mercy on him],
“The (backbitten) skin of the scholar is poison.” In summary, it is a must to
correct what is mistaken and make the truth apparent, however this must be done
with proper manners and intent; giving the people of knowledge respect, honour,
supplicating for them, seeking forgiveness for them and protecting your tongue
against them.
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