BENEFIT 261: The Salaf Would Advise Before Boycotting

Imam Abu Dawud asked the Imam of Ahlus-Sunnah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal: 'I see a man from Ahlus-Sunnah with a man from Ahlul-Bid'ah; should I stop speaking to him?' He replied: 'No, but inform him that the man you saw him with is a person of innovation. If he stops speaking to him, then speak with him. Otherwise, align him with that innovator.' [Narrated by Ibn Abi Ya'la in Tabaqat Al-Hanabila] Imam Al-Barbahari, may Allah have mercy on him, said in 'Sharh As-Sunnah': "If you see a man sitting with a person from Ahlul-Ahwa (the people of desires and innovation), then warn him and make him aware. If he continues to sit with him after being informed, then avoid him, for he is a person of desires.'"