Does one who insults al-Ṣiddīq (may Allah be pleased with him) become a disbeliever, or do we say he has committed a major sin among the major sins?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is one who mocks or insults al-Ṣiddīq considered a disbeliever, or do we say he has committed a major sin among the major sins?

Answer:
If the insult of al-Ṣiddīq or any other of the Companions is directed at the person himself, this is a major sin among the major sins. But if the insult is directed at his companionship, his caliphate, and his status in Islam, this is apostasy. This is apostasy, because Allah praised the Companions, purified them, and commended them, especially al-Ṣiddīq. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) praised him, and Allah praised him in the Qur'an: This is a denial of Allah the Exalted and a denial of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in his praise and purification of al-Ṣiddīq. This is an apostate from the religion of Islam. Yes.