Questions on the Explanation of the Book of Nullifiers of Islam

Question:
Does the statement of the hypocrites, "We have not seen the like of these our reciters," indicate that one who insults the Companions or belittles them, even for a matter of this world, commits disbelief (kufr) thereby?

Answer:
If one belittles any of them, if one belittles all the Companions, this is disbelief (kufr) without doubt and apostasy (riddah). But if one belittles some of the individuals among them, if his belittling is because of their companionship and their religion, then it is apostasy (riddah). And if his belittling is because of their person, or a defect in their body or their character, this is a major sin from the major sins. It is a severe major sin from the major sins, so he must repent to Allah the Mighty and Majestic.