BENEFIT 442: When does a Student of Knowledge Have The Right to Declare Tabdee'?

Question: A questioner asks: Honourable Shaykh, is it permissible for a student of knowledge who has made significant progress in seeking knowledge and has studied the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah in matters of criticism, to declare someone an innovator based on his knowledge, if he deems that person deserving of such a judgment?" Sheikh Rabee waffaqahullah: There are certain clear and manifest innovations which do not require the opinion of major scholars to be recognised—such as Rafḍh, I‘tizāl, Jahmiyyah, Qadariyyah, Irjā’, modern-day Hizbiyyah, and various Sufi orders such as the Tijāniyyah, Furqāniyyah, Naqshbandiyyah, the Grave-worshippers, and others. These are clear matters, and no reasonable person would disagree regarding them. In such issues, it is appropriate to speak out. However, there are more subtle matters. If the individual is still a student of knowledge and is unsure whether a particular person should be declared an innovator or not, he should exercise caution and refrain from passing judgment. For instance, if a person is Salafī but exhibits certain actions or practices—should he be declared an innovator or not? I am of the opinion that one should not be hasty in such cases. He is, after all, within the fold of Salafiyyah and shows concern for it and adherence to it, even if he falls into certain questionable matters. So, if someone says...(unclear).. As for the clear matters I previously mentioned to you, they are not to be disputed or objected to. ... Related benefit ⤵️ https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/1290