BENEFIT 223: The later generations may not be excused for the same errors that were excused for the earlier generations

A common doubt: Why do you denounce those who err when such mistakes have been made by earlier scholars like Ibn Hazm, An-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar, and others, and even more severe errors might have been committed by the predecessors? Why are the later scholars not spared from being denounced or being accused of Hizbiyyah, Bid'ah, or even Kufr? Response: It is possible for later scholars to be denounced or declared deviant even if they make mistakes similar to those of the earlier scholars, or less severe, due to the following reasons: 1. Context: The errors of earlier scholars often occurred during times when such false doctrines were rampant, and the true doctrine was uncommon. At that time, it was assumed that the prevailing group was the majority, and thus some accepted their opinions. 2. Lack of Hostility: It was not known that the earlier scholars in question held any hostility towards the Sunnah or its people during their time. On the contrary, they were among its adherents and defenders. 3. Lack of Correction: There is no evidence that anyone advised these earlier scholars regarding their mistakes, and that they persisted in error without repentance. 4. Impartiality: The justice and commitment to the truth exemplified by these scholars, as documented in their writings, lead us to believe that if they had been shown their mistakes, they would have repented and corrected their views. Thus, there is a significant difference between those who erred without having correct guidance to correct their mistakes and those who were advised but chose to persist in their errors. Similarly, there is a difference between those who are known for their justice and commitment to the truth and those who are known for their stubbornness and rejection of guidance. Furthermore, the later scholars of innovation who meet the criteria for denouncement have been judged accordingly, unlike the earlier scholars known for their sincerity and defense of the Sunnah, such as An-Nawawi and Ibn Hajar. This is why some early scholars, such as the Kharijites and others from deviant sects, were judged harshly. The difference between these early scholars and the later innovators, like Az-Zindani, Al-Qardhawi, Ash-Sha'rawi, and Al-Ma'bari, is vast. The errors of such individuals are not excusable in the same way, given their deviation from the truth and their persistence in error. Thus, the distinction is clear, and the difference between the [true] scholars of the religion and those of falsehood is as clear as daylight. As the Qur’an states: ﴿فما لكم كيف تحكمون﴾ "So what is the matter with you? How do you judge?" [68:36]. Benefited from 'Adil Abu Abdillah Ibn Abdil Hafidh @almanhajussalafi