Exercising caution before promoting people – By Al Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Question 31: Exercising caution by not promoting some of those from whom (certain questionable) stances or statements have manifested until his situation becomes clear: is this action considered to be correct or not?

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, responded:

First, I say: it is not permissible to harbour an evil suspicion towards Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah — those who adhere to it (i.e. the path of Ahlus Sunnah), establish loyalty to its people, sit with them, and distance themselves from the people of (vain) desires and Bid‘ah.

(On the other hand), it is permissible to harbour an evil suspicion towards the one who (manifests) its reasons (or signs that warrant harbouring an evil suspicion), such as the one you see getting angry when the people of Bid‘ah are mentioned- (when they are) spoken against and warned against in general; or you hear him defending them — whether groups or individuals; or there are indications from which manifests that indeed the individual is one who dilutes the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah. (In this case), neither promote him nor direct (people) to take knowledge from him until the safety of his situation is clear to you. Then, you may guide students of knowledge to take knowledge from him; or it becomes clear to you that he is allied with the people of Bid‘ah, even by promoting them or not denouncing them. [Footnote a] Then beware of him and warn against him. And (indeed) what the poet said is true: “And whatever a person may possess of a trait, even if he thinks it is hidden from people, it will (eventually be known”.

Thus, O caller to the path of Allah! With regards to this person and the one like him, you should clarify his mistake to him in a clear and explicit manner, and present to him the proofs by which truth is distinguished from falsehood. Then observe to which group he inclines, which people he associates with, and with whom he comes and goes. And know that whoever conceals his Bid‘ah from Ahlus Sunnah, his companionship and affiliations will not be hidden from them. [end of quote] [Source: al-Ajwibah Al-Athariyyah an al-Masāʾil al-Manhajiyyah: Khamsūna Suʾālan wa Jawāban pages 96-97. Paraphrased]

We ask: Provide us with only one example where Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him, became angry or defended any person of Bidah – individual or group – when they were mentioned and criticised! Provide us with one clear example, with clear, unambiguous evidence, where Shaikh Abu Iyaad dilutes the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah! Provide us with one example where Shaikh Abu Iyaad promotes any man of Bidah or directs people to benefit from them! Provide us with one situation where Shaikh Abu Iyaad associates with Ahlul Bidah—whether individuals, groups, or anyone connected to them in any way! Therefore, we ask once more, “Where is the clear, unambiguous evidence for the Tabdee against Shaikh Abu Iyaad, claiming he is a plant?”

The False Tabdee Must Be Recanted Because Neither Shariah Nor Sound Intellect Acknowledges That Harm Can Remain

[1] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear Unambiguous Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee?

[2] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear Unambiguous Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee?

[3] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear Unambiguous Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[4] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear Unambiguous Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[5] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear Unambiguous Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[6] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear Unambiguous Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[7] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[8] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[9] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[10] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[11] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[12] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

[13] Still Waiting! Where’s The Clear, Unambiguous, Knowledge-Based Shariah Proof for the Tabdee

Footnote a: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2026/06/03/amicable-and-fruitful-discussions-with-mature-friends-on-enjoining-good-and-forbidding-evil/