A Brief Examination of the Timid Teacher’s Echo Chamber of Motivated Reasoning

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:

What do you say about an individual who advises people not to listen to refutations. When asked why he took this stance, he answered, ‘The person who asked me about this was a common person, and he is unable to recite the Quran properly’. What is your comment on this? May Allah bless you”.

Response: If he is a layman, he must be taught the Islamic creed and warned against ahlul bidah. Because the majority of ordinary people have become supporters of the people of bidah these days, it is necessary to warn them. Say to him, “So and so is on such and such bidah, and you will be harmed if you listen to him.” This is done so that they will not read (his books), listen to his audio tapes, and will be cautious of his statements. This layman needs someone to caution him and remind him of the principle, “This knowledge is religion so look at whom you take your religion from”. During these times, the common people are targeted by the people of bidah, who will tell you, “Do not let them read the books of refutations.” No. No. This will expose them (the people) to destruction.

Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaikh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee 1/273