Guidelines for the Critique and Vindication of Narrators for Students of Knowledge

Question:
A questioner says: It is well known that the science of al-jarh wa al-ta'dil (the critique and vindication of narrators) is a noble science with its own qualified people, whom Allah has appointed to uphold it in order to clarify the distortion of the falsifiers and the figurative interpretation of the ignorant. However, it is observed that a group of young people, long in their pursuit of knowledge, have attempted to climb this rugged mountain. They have spoken about callers to Allah and men of religion, and as a result, fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) has occurred and evil has spread among the youth. Fanaticism has returned due to the knowledge they have undertaken, which is restricted to those qualified for it. We ask for guidance on this matter.

Answer:
This falls into two categories. The first category is al-jarh wa al-ta'dil regarding people who have died and passed away. Praise be to Allah, the books written by scholars on clarifying al-jarh wa al-ta'dil are sufficient for this. We refer to them and learn about the narrators who are criticized and the narrators who are vindicated. However, I do not permit a beginner student of knowledge to enter into al-jarh wa al-ta'dil or to read the books of al-jarh wa al-ta'dil. I advise him to learn first. Learn first the terminology of hadith and acquire this knowledge from its qualified people. Then, after that, he may look into the books of al-jarh wa al-ta'dil, because he will then have the qualification to look into them.
As for a person who has no qualification and has not studied, and whose only aim is to take the books of al-jarh wa al-ta'dil and read in them, saying so-and-so is such-and-such and so-and-so is such-and-such, this is dangerous. This is of the type we mentioned to you: ta'allum (pretending to have knowledge) or relying on books without foundational understanding.
As for the intention being al-jarh wa al-ta'dil regarding contemporary people, those who are alive. For these people, their deeds are translated for them; their deeds, their sayings, and their writings are translated for them. If their deeds, sayings, and writings are upright, it is not permissible to criticize them. If there is some error in their deeds or sayings, the error is clarified; the error is clarified. The goal is not the person, but rather the goal is to clarify the error so that people are not deceived by it. It is not with the intention of criticizing the person or diminishing the person, but rather the goal is to clarify the truth and to distinguish error from correctness. This will not harm the person; rather, this benefits him. He may become aware and return from what he erred in, especially if the speech is with him first, for this may benefit him. It brings him back to the truth. Or if a writing is written and sent to him, it may be a cause of his guidance and return, if he seeks the truth. As for if he does not seek the truth, that is a different matter. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.