A doctor at the university says: Seeking nearness to Allah through the status of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is prescribed, and insulting the Companions is not disbelief?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, we have a doctor at the university who says that seeking nearness to Allah through the status of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is prescribed, and that this is a narration from Imam Ahmad. He also says that insulting the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) is not disbelief, especially insulting Abu Bakr and 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). Furthermore, he calls for dialogue between religions. How should we deal with this person? May Allah grant you success. I ask for your guidance in this matter.

Answer:
You must take down a record of his speech, documenting what he says. He does not know the difference, and the tape is finished. You must submit this to the Department of Ifta. This is not to be left alone to play with people. This is obligatory upon you, because this is forbidding evil. Do not leave him to play with the students and spread superstitions among them. And more severe than that is his speech regarding the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). He is never to be left alone, and you have no room for silence. Yes.