What is the ruling on insulting the Companions?

Question:
The questioner says: We have a brother with us on the trip; we came for 'Umrah, and a brother came with us for 'Umrah on our trip. He says that whoever disparages the Companions is not a disbeliever. What do you advise him, and what is the ruling on those who disparage the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Answer:
Why do they disparage the Companions of the Messenger except out of their enmity toward Islam? What did the Companions of the Messenger do to be disparaged? They did good, supported this religion, kept the company of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), fought in the cause of Allah, spread knowledge, and called to Allah. So why do they disparage them? They disparage them for their good deeds, their jihad, their calling to Allah, and their companionship with the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). No one disparages them who has faith in his heart; only an enemy of Islam and the Muslims disparages them.
And he is a denier of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and a denier of the Messenger, because Allah praised the Muhajireen and the Ansar; He praised the Companions. And you disparage them? Allah praises them, and do you disparage them? This means being hostile to Allah (Mighty and Majestic). The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not disparage my Companions." To disparage his Companions is to disobey the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). You say you are a believer; this is wrong, this is a great error. This is hostility to Allah and His Messenger. And does faith remain with hostility to Allah and His Messenger? No, faith does not remain.