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

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, continued addressing Falih, may Allah guide him, as follows:

Secondly: The questioner said: This is because indeed they may say: “Maybe the Shaikh criticised (or disparaged) based on that which is not considered – by others – a (valid) criticism?”

You (Falih), may Allah pardon you, said: “No, no, this is from their principle, I seek refuge with Allah. This is an unjust principle- a principle that will misguide the Ummah. This is their principle- a principle they have innovated (in the religion.)”

I say (i.e. Shaikh Rabee). May Allah pardon you, this is a principle of the Imams of Sunnah and Hadith, and not an unjust principle. Rather, it (i.e. demanding an explanation for a criticism) is from the core of equity brought by Islam. This is because indeed a scholar may make a mistake in criticism or commendation, so his brother corrects his mistake in this or that. A scholar may criticise without (the proper reasons for) criticism, so the scholars of the (science of) criticism reject his criticism out of impartiality towards the one who was subjected to criticism. Examples of this have already been stated to you. Yes, if the criticiser is from the trustworthy scholars who are knowledgeable about the reasons behind criticism and commendation, and the one in opposition is an ignoramus or a follower of vain desire, then his opposition is not given consideration.

Source: An Excerpt from Juhud Al-Allamah Rabee Al-Mad’khali Fee Naqd Shubuhat Al-Hizbiyyeen 224. Paraphrased.

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

To be continued InShaAllah