Watering Down of Jarḥ by Dismantling the Principles Set by the Salaf (Part 8)

Among the innovated principles is the notion of: «لا يلزمني» "I am not obliged", meaning that if some scholars declare an individual—whether a da'ee, a student of knowledge, or otherwise—to be an innovator, Al-Halabi and his likes assert that they are not bound to accept this judgment. Sheikh Rabeeʿ may Allāh preserve him said: “If two scholars – whether in the field of Jarḥ and Taʿdīl or otherwise – differ over a religious matter, then the [final] judgment belongs to Allāh, not to desires and their people who accept the view of the one in error and reject the view of the one who is correct. It is obligatory in cases of religious disagreement to refer the matter back to Allāh and His Messenger, as He said: ‘And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result’ [4:59]. So the statements of those in dispute are to be examined in light of the Sharīʿah and its principles, which are derived from it – not fabricated principles. Whoever’s opinion aligns with the Sharīʿah, his view is to be accepted. And whoever’s view contradicts it, his statement is to be rejected – while maintaining respect for him and believing that he is a mujtahid who is rewarded for his effort even if mistaken. A sincere follower of the religion should not take the stance of the people of desires and say, ‘The scholars have differed, so I am not obliged to follow so-and-so,’ and then go on playing with people’s minds. Such statements only embolden people to reject the truth and belittle its people. The one who possesses clear evidence is the one whose opinion must be followed – not due to his person or status, but in adherence to the Sharīʿah of Allah and its proofs.” [أئمة الجرح والتعديل هم حماة الدين من كيد الملحدين وضلال المبتدعين وإفك الكذابين ص25] And He, may Allāh preserve him, said: "The principle of saying لا يلزمني “I am not obliged” or لا يقنعني “I am not convinced” as a means to reject the truth is one of the most malicious foundations of theirs. The enemies of the messengers never adhered to the truth brought by the messengers, nor were they convinced by it...How many Salafī youth have been corrupted by this group—corrupted in their beliefs, their manhaj, and their character..." [منشور له بعنوان مكيدة خطيرة ومكر كبار] He also said in his response to At-Taybawi (Part 1): "Among their foundational principles for rejecting the truth, evidence, and arguments—and for remaining steadfast upon falsehood—is the principle of 'I am not obliged'. They have made this a shield with which they repel the truth. No matter how greatly one of them opposes the truth, he does not retract his opposition, regardless of its severity. No matter how reprehensible their positions and principles become, or how they defend themselves and the people of innovation and misguidance with falsehood, or how they slander the people of Sunnah with falsehood and lies—even if a Salafi brings forth any matter with clear evidence and proof—they will not accept it. Instead, they dismiss it with this so-called shield: 'I am not obliged.'" As you can see, this principle is incorrect and unfounded, as Ahlus-Sunnah do not respond to matters of tabdīʿ with such evasion or dismissal. Instead, they approach it in one of two ways: 1. If the declaration of innovation is valid, it must be accepted because it is a legal ruling (ḥukm sharʿī). Declaring someone an innovator entails cautioning against them and warning others about their deviations. Thus, it is a legal matter, and when a scholar issues such a warning, he is conveying a religious ruling. 2. If the judgement of is incorrect, the one disputing it must provide justification for why it is invalid. He should demonstrate, for example, that the scholar making the declaration erred, that the accusation lacks sufficient evidence, or that the cited reports are not authentic.