Defense of Sheikh Abu Bilal

Question: We have heard very harsh and offensive speech about Shaykh Abu Bilal Al-Hadhrami (may Allah preserve him), including severe insults. Sheikh Abdulhameed Az-Zu'kari hafidhahullah: Respond to them with: “Reduce your blame against them, or fill the place they have filled.” Shaykh Abu Bilal Al-Hadhrami is a scholar of Sunnah, a scholar of guidance, and a sincere advisor. It is rare to find someone like him in this time. So we advise people to benefit from him, gather around him, and avoid attacking him or his fellow Sunni brothers in Yemen and elsewhere. Belittling scholars is one of the worst actions of the misguided. Disrespecting scholars and leaders can lead to rebellion against both scholars and rulers. What happened in Dammaj, and the bold attacks against Shaykh Yahya, only came after people started belittling, criticising, and holding secret gatherings. Some people used to compare scholars [in a negative way]. Once, I entered the library and heard one person saying, “Abu Bilal is more knowledgeable than Shaykh Yahya in grammar.” Another said, “Al-Qadasi is more knowledgeable than Shaykh Yahya in hadith terminology.” Another said someone else is more knowledgeable in Usool [Al-Fiqh]. I said: Then say someone is more knowledgeable than him in selling chickens, someone else in selling potatoes, and another in making bricks! This kind of talk is foolish. Comparing scholars with the intention of belittling them is wrong. Allah says: “Above every person of knowledge is someone more knowledgeable.” The point is: stirring people against scholars and leaders is a path of misguidance. So be very careful of anyone who insults scholars. A scholar stands at a frontier. A scholar strives in the path of Allah. A scholar defends the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). A scholar is among the allies of Allah. And you attack them?! Anyone who attacks a scholar, not just Shaykh Abu Bilal—[you are doing wrong]. Shaykh Abu Bilal is Sheikh of Sunnah and guidance, even if he makes mistakes, he returns to the truth. He may be right or wrong, he may know or not know, but he follows the Sunnah and returns to it. The same applies to other scholars: Shaykh Rashad Adh-Dhala‘i, Shaykh Al-Hatibi, Shaykh Zayed, Shaykh Abdul-Khaliq Al-Imad, Shaykh Abu Amr Al-Hajuri, and others. Scholars of the Sunnah should not be attacked. Even if they make mistakes—as all people do—they are people of knowledge and goodness, and we hope for good from them. All Sunni scholars, whether in Yemen or elsewhere, should be spoken of well. We should make du‘a for them—for success and correctness—praise their efforts and knowledge, and guide people to them. Instead of criticising, direct others to them. Say: Abu Bilal teaches correct Aqeedah, teaches Fiqh, and is distinguished. And the same applies to other scholars. But most people do not understand and not comprehend. Some people may even oppose a scholar just because they didn’t receive financial help from him. Others may act based on assumptions, or because the scholar asked them to leave his centre. But the scholar has the right to manage his place. That is not a reason to attack him. Go to another teacher and seek knowledge there. We are Salafi brothers. We can tolerate differences as it was tolerated by those before us as long as they do not affect Aqeedah, Manhaj or way. We may differ in fiqh issues, opinions, or preferences, but a Sunni remains a Sunni. He should be spoken of well, supported, and helped. And Allah is the One whose help is sought. Source: https://t.me/abdulhamid12/1518