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

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Al-Allamah Rabee, may Allah have mercy upon him, continued addressing Falih Al-Harbi, may Allah guide him, as follows:

And very strange is your statement with regards to clarifying the reasons behind Tabdee that it is not a requirement – you mean when a commendation conflicts with a criticism, or what is known from his (a person’s) situation as a Salafi – a Salafi indeed, and what people believe about him (i.e. your claim is that it not required to clarify the reasons for criticising him). And even more strange is your claim that an explanation of the reasons for criticism is something specific to the ilm al-riwāyah. Based on my knowledge, this view was not held by the Imams of al-Jarḥ wa at-Tadeel.

If you have come across- from those Imams – a clear distinction, or some of them making a preponderant distinction based on proof, then indeed, I would benefit (from learning it) and thank you for that.

But having said that, I indeed fear that this statement of yours may result in great corruption, for if a man were to come along making Tabdee of a scholar- who is well known for Salafiyyah- such as al-Albani, Ibn Baz, as-Sadi, al-Mu’allimee, or any Salafi known for his Salafiyyah -among those who are alive- like al-Fawzan, Zayd ibn Hadi al-Madkhali, Ahmad ibn Yahya al-Najmi, Muhammad ibn Abdil Wahhab al-Banna, or Shaikh Falih; then it is said to this man: “Clarify (or explain) the reasons for making Tabdee of these people or the one you make Tabdee among them”, he says: “It is not stipulated here to clarify the reasons behind criticism in the subject related to Tabdee”, while persisting upon this (judgement of) Tabdee; would the people accept this from him? Can you imagine that anyone among the Salafis would be safe from this Tabdee that results from this statement of yours?

I hope that you will engage in deep reasoned reflection and contemplation regarding these matters, then embark upon what is obligatory regarding this dangerous principle, because indeed it has spread among young people who bring down others (through unexplained criticism) and then (proceed) to bring down one another.

Source: An Excerpt from Juhud Al-Allamah Rabee Al-Mad’khali Fee Naqd Shubuhat Al-Hizbiyyeen 223-224. Paraphrased.

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

To be continued InShaAllah