BENEFIT 257: Who has the right to pass judgments on individuals (tafseeq, tabdee', takfeer)?

Sheikh Yūsuf Al-Jazaa’iri hafidahullāh: The discussion on this matter is extensive, but to summarise: the issue ultimately comes down to evidence and proofs, as well as proficiency in knowledge. The person speaking on a subject should be someone who has acquired knowledge from its rightful sources and has been recognised by scholars. If such a person speaks knowledgeably, their words are accepted, whether in matters of Jarh and Ta"deel, issuing Fatwas, or other areas. We say to those who refer to a particular scholar in these issues: if a scholar specialising in Jarh and Ta'deel speaks without evidence, will his words be accepted? They will not! Thus, the issue returns to evidences, not merely on whether the speaker is a scholar or a well-versed student. The crucial point here is correctness of Aqeedah, knowledge, expertise in the field, and the testimony of other scholars about the speaker's competence. There is also a recorded audio clip...(unclear)...In it, a person asks Sheikh Yahya if, when a student of knowledge in Algeria declares someone an innovator, is it to be accepted? The Sheikh responded that if the student speaks with evidence and is knowledgeable about what he says, he should not be criticised. However, the Sheikh—may Allah preserve him—does not intend to open the door for just anyone to speak on these matters without the necessary qualifications. Rather, he maintains a balanced view: the door should not be wide open for everyone, nor should it be overly restrictive for those who are well-qualified.