"After all of this, Sheikh Ubaid Al-Jabiri (may Allāh forgive him) warned against studying under Dr. Abu Salah (Muhammad At-Tahiri)! This, by Allāh, is one of t

http://www.saltaweel.com/articles/344 This article was dated Sha’ban 14, 1435 AH, which means over a decade has passed since its publication, indicating that their separation and Sheikh Ubaid’s warning against him occurred even earlier. Where is this companionship, then, when it has been severed for over ten years and ended with a warning? It is not far-fetched to think that someone was tale-carrying about Sheikh Yahya to Sheikh Ubaid, leading to the latter's criticisms. Lastly, my attention was drawn to the answer of our Sheikh (may Allāh support him), who explained that one reason for not declaring a person an innovator is that their innovation may not be evident to those who refrain from declaring them as such, even if it has been clarified to them due to a lack of insight. He said: "Not declaring an innovator as such may be due to a lack of insight in recognising it, so someone who has insight has been enlightened by Allāh, while the other did not declare the person an innovator because they did not recognise it, or lacked insight, even if it was explained to them. Or, there may be doubts or bad company that prevent them from declaring the innovator as such. Not everyone who refrains from declaring an innovator is themselves an innovator. However, there is a distinction to be made regarding someone who assists in sin and transgression, does not declare the innovator as such due to approval of the innovation, or because they follow the same path and agree with it, even after the matter has been clearly explained to them. In such a case, it can indeed be said that they have not declared the innovator as such. As the saying goes, "A person is upon the religion of their close companion, so let each of you look to whom you befriend." Ahmad said: "They are from among them." These evidences are applied accordingly, based on the situation at hand." (End of quote). https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/870 This is a sound foundation, upheld by scholars, including Sheikh Al-Fawzan, who clarified when it is valid to consider someone who refrains from declaring an innovator to be like the innovator himself. He said: "Because they permitted the innovation and agreed with it." (The implication is clear: those who do not meet this criterion are treated differently). https://dralfawzann.com/file/8166 The implied understanding is clear: for those who do not fit this description, the ruling differs. I recall in this context that when Sheikh As-Suhaimi, may Allāh grant him success, visited Britain in 1439 AH for the purpose of Da'wah, Sheikh Yahya, may Allāh support him, was asked about hosting him at Masjid Muqbil and whether it was beneficial to learn from him. The Sheikh replied that he is to be benefitted from him in matters of creed, despite it being well-known that Sheikh As-Suhaimi was a peer and friend of Sheikh Ubayd, not to mention the other observations that had been made about him. Therefore, we have brought forth nothing new, and we ask Allāh for success and guidance. One of our students informed me that when he visited Kuwait and had the opportunity to meet Sheikh Muhammad At-Tahiri, and he told him that he was studying with some of the students of Dammaj. He conveyed his greetings and sent us his regards. This, in addition to previous considerations, led us to have a favourable opinion of Sheikh At-Tahiri—may Allāh aid him—for had he followed the path of his teacher, he would not have agreed to give the lecture. Reflect on this!