Principles Ignored, Evaded, or Sidetracked by Some Following the Death of Some Senior Scholars 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Neither is it legislated nor stipulated to ask a criticiser (refuter, disparager) about the reasons for the criticism (refutation, refutation or disparagement)

This is one of Falih Al-Harbi’s Shubuhat, who used to make Tabdee and defile the honour of Salafis, then when asked for proofs and evidence for his arbitary Tabdee against the Salafis, he said: It is neither stipulated to ask the criticiser for the reasons behind his criticism nor for him to explain that, rather, his criticism is accepted without any explanation (clarification), even if opposed by whoever – among the scholars- oppose him (in that judgment).

Indeed, Al-Allamah Rabee al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, unveiled the falsity (spurious nature) of this Shubhah among his upright refutations against him (Falih) and his faction. Among that is his statement, while addressing Falih al-Harbi:

I came across some of your speech related to criticism (disparagement) that caught my attention:  Firstly: Questions were presented to you on Friday, 27 Ṣafar 1423 AH regarding some people, so you replied that they are indeed not from the Salafis. And you were asked: Is it a condition to explain the reasons for the criticism? So you replied by saying: 

“This is not stipulated with regard to the reasons for criticism; (rather) clarification (or explanation) of the reasons for criticism and commendation is (required, stipulated) in the science of hadith transmission (ʿilm al-riwāyah), and not speech regarding the Mukhalifeen – (regarding) their methodologies and conducts”.

And I (i.e. Shaikh Rabee) say: Indeed, you were asked about specific individuals who are well known to the people for being upon Salafiyyah and calling to it, among them – in the eyes of the people – are scholars, so you expelled them from Salafiyyah and this expulsion is a severe criticism (disparagement) against them and requires evidence. If you do not provide the evidence and the reasons for this criticism, the people will hold that you have indeed oppressed, transgressed against them, and spoken ill of their adherence to the religion without right, then you yourself will be accused (of guilt) in the eyes of the people and will be in need of vindicating yourself with regards your religion (upright adherence to religion) and your honour. If you do not do so (i.e. provide proof and evidence), the people will speak ill of  you, and neither yourself nor others will be pleased with such ill speech, thus, strife arises, differing occurs among the Salafis, reciprocal attacks escalate, and that will not be resolved except by mentioning the satisfactory (compelling convincing) reasons for this expulsion. And indeed, you yourself would request (or demand) that reasons be given if someone were to criticise (disparage) or expel you from Salafiyyah. 

Source: An Excerpt from Juhud Al-Allamah Rabee Al-Mad’khali Fee Naqd Shubuhat Al-Hizbiyyeen 219-220. Paraphrased.

Your feedback is welcomed to improve this translation. Jazaakumullah Khayran.

To be continued InShaAllah