BENEFIT 332: Correcting Mistakes is an Obligation

Sheikh Ibn ’Uthaymeen, may Allāh have mercy on him, said in 'Kitab al-'Ilm' (p. 247): “Correcting mistakes is an obligation. If someone discovers an error made by another person, even if it is from the most renowned scholars, they must point out this error and mistake. Clarifying the truth is a duty, and remaining silent may lead to the truth being lost out of respect for the one who made the mistake. However, the respect due to the truth takes precedence.” He also said, may Allāh have mercy on him: “We do not deny that some scholars have made significant contributions to Islam, defended it, dedicated themselves to the Qur'ān and the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ, both in narration and understanding, and worked earnestly for the benefit and guidance of Muslims. However, this does not mean they are infallible from error in what they may have gotten wrong, nor does it necessitate accepting everything they have said. It also does not prevent pointing out and refuting their errors, as doing so clarifies the truth and guides the people.” [Al-Qawā’id Al-Muthlā, p. 87]. Shaykh Ṣāliḥ Al-Fawzān, may Allāh preserve him, said in Al-Ajwibah Al-Mufīdah (p. 96): “If those who respond to those in error quote their statements from their books or recordings, specifying the books or recordings by page or section, and the statement they have quoted is clearly erroneous, then what prevents refuting it?! This is done as an act of sincere advice for the people, not to belittle individuals. The intention is to guide and clarify matters for the people.”