BENEFIT 329: These individuals (Muhammad Hijab, Omar Suleiman, Ali Da'wah, etc.) have dedicated significant effort to spreading and defending Islam, yet you cri

Their efforts and good deeds are between them and Allāh, and perhaps Allāh will accept them. However, staying silent about their mistakes is something for which we will be held accountable. The questioner is referring to an innovated principle known as Al-Mawāzanāt, which has been denounced by scholars. Imam Al-Albāni, may Allāh have mercy on him, was asked in Silsilat Al-Huda wa Al-Nur (Tape No. 850) the following question: Questioner: In truth, our brothers or these young individuals have compiled numerous points, among them the claim that it is necessary, when criticising an innovator whose innovation and opposition to the Sunnah have become apparent—or even if he has merely erred in matters related to the Manhaj of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā’ah—that no one should speak about him without also mentioning his good qualities. They refer to this as the principle of balancing good deeds and bad deeds (Al-Mawāzanāt). Books and treatises have been authored by some proponents of this view, stating that it is essential to follow the Manhaj of the Salaf in criticism, and that both the good and bad qualities must be mentioned. Is this principle absolute, or are there circumstances in which it does not apply? May Allah bless you, we would like a detailed explanation on this matter. Part of the Sheikh's response included: "The detailed response is: 'Every good lies in adhering to the way of the Salaf.' Did the Salaf do this? … This is the approach of the innovators. When a scholar of Hadith speaks about a righteous man, or a scholar and jurist, and says of him: 'He has poor memory,' does he also have to say, 'He is Muslim, righteous, knowledgeable, and a jurist whose opinions on deriving rulings are sought'?! SubhanAllah! This previous principle is indeed significant and encompasses numerous aspects, particularly in our time. Where did they get the idea that when an occasion arises to point out a Muslim's error—whether that person is a caller to Islam or not—it becomes mandatory to give a lecture detailing all of his merits from start to finish? SubhanAllah, this is truly astonishing. Truly astonishing!"