BENEFIT 254: If a [Salafi] scholar, who has made mistakes in matters of Aqeedah or manhaj, is still in the process of being advised, should we refrain from taki

Sheikh Yūsuf Al-Jazaa’iri hafidahullāh: The errors made by scholars in matters of Aqeedah, we need to know that there matters which are considered Usool (fundamentals). Some issues are clear and fundamental, and the truth regarding them is evident. If a scholar errs in such matters, the proof has already been established against him, and he is declared an innovator for opposing the clear truth. For instance, if a scholar, who is said to be from the scholars of the Sunnah, starts calling to the doctrine of the Khawarij, or the doctrine of the Qadariyyah, or promotes a clear innovation that contradicts the established principles of Ahlus-Sunnah, then the clarity of these matters serves as sufficient evidence against him. In such cases, the scholar’s deviation becomes apparent. Therefore, if the truth has reached him, and the proof has been established, either the issue is clear and does not require further explanation, or it involves a subtle innovation. In the case of a subtle innovation, it requires clarification and the scholar should be advised. He should be told, "You are mistaken in this matter, and this is an innovation, and the evidence is such and such." If he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allah. However, if he persists in his error, he is treated as one who is stubbornly opposed to the truth, and he is judged according to the seriousness of his opposition and what the Shariah requires in such situations. If the scholar's error falls under the first category, which involves clear foundational issues, then one should not seek knowledge from him. But if it is of the second type, involving a subtle innovation, then his specific error should be avoided (and knowledge is still sought from him). As long as it is known that he is open to being advised, one should continue to advise him. Questioner: As for refraining from seeking knowledge from him while he is in the advisory stage, is there any evidence from the Qur'an or Sunnah on this matter? Sheikh: This person has not yet been proven to have deviated from the Sunnah to the extent that it is said knowledge should no longer be sought from him. It is known that knowledge should only be taken from the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah, as Ibn Sireen said: "This knowledge is religion, so look to whom you take you religion from." If this person has oppose the fundamental principles of Ahlus-Sunnah or one of its foundational doctrines, then knowledge should not be taken from him because his opposition to these principles takes him out of the fold of Ahlus-Sunnah. However, if the matter involves a subtle innovation, it is possible that even scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah may err in such matters, so it should be brought to their attention. If you are learning under a scholar who falls into such an error, YOU SHOULD NOT CEASE TAKING KNOWLEDGE FROM THEM RIGHT AWAY, rather should either advise him or request from another scholar to advise him - perhaps he will be more accepting of his advice. If after being advised, he is stubborn and persistent, then he is no longer considered from Ahlus-Sunnah. Why? Because the criterion of Ahlus-Sunnah is adherence to the truth. If someone deviates from this and follows his desires after the truth has been presented to him, he exits the fold of Ahlus-Sunnah, and is no longer included under the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah who knowledge knowledge is sought from. If the matter involves a subtle innovation, ONE SHOULD BE CAREFUL AND SEE WHETHER THE TRUTH HAS REACHED HIM. If it has reached him and he persists in his error, knowledge should no longer be taken from him.