BENEFIT 162: We must be extra careful how we word our expressions when speaking about the Sahabah!

Questioner: If we say that Uthman fell into innovation, then we must also say the same about Ali because he followed him in that by implementing the first Adhan in Madinah. So, if we say Uthman's view is innovated, we must say the same regarding Ali's action, may Allāh be pleased with him. Sheikh Yusuf Al-Jazairi, may Allah preserve him, said: "Firstly, claiming that Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, followed Uthman in this Adhan requires evidence. Rather, Al-Qurtubi relayed the opposite in this matter, and that Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, did not implement this Adhan after Uthman. So, whoever makes such a claim must support his claim with. As for the issue of "Uthman fell into innovation," this wording is not appropriate. It is incumbent upon us to respect the companions and refrain from using such expressions towards them. Rather, the criticism should be directed towards the act, not the doer. We do not say that Uthman fell into innovation with this wording, nor do we accuse him of innovation. It is unthinkable to express such things about the companions in this manner. One of the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah is to restrain their tongues from speaking ill of the companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and to refrain from using expressions that imply blame or criticism towards them. However, the criticism is directed towards the act itself, which is the first Adhan being an innovation. This is what is said. And the matter is a matter of scholarly difference of opinion. We have not stated that the one who performs this act is an innovator, and we have provided examples from the statements of scholars to support this. Likewise, with regard to Sheikh Al-Albani, among the examples we did not mention, why do they not hold him accountable? Why did Sheikh Rabee not criticise Sheikh Al-Albani when he mentioned the issue of Abu Hurairah and his habit of admonishing people before the Friday Khutbah? Sheikh Al-Albani said that what Abu Hurairah did was an innovation because it contradicted the Sunnah, as it is established from the hadith of Amr ibn Shu'aib from his father from his grandfather that the Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade establishing circles of rememberance before Friday prayers. Does this mean that Abu Hurairah was an innovator? And that those who were present among the companions and the Taabi'oon were innovators because they did not object to him? Because they did not rebuke him for it. So, Sheikh Al-Albani stated this. He said what Abu Hurairah did was an innovation. So, why do they not hold him accountable for it?