Describing Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah as a traitor

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this is a question that has been asked repeatedly, and this is one of them. He says: I heard a Friday preacher one day say, while on the pulpit, that Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah committed the greatest betrayal. Is his statement correct?

Answer:
This person is not fit to be a preacher. It is obligatory that he be disciplined and removed from the mosque. One who speaks about a Companion of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is not fit to be a preacher. He should be disciplined, imprisoned, and removed from leading the prayer so that he does not mislead people. He must not speak about the Companions of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) excused Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah and said that he was among the people of Badr, a participant in Badr (may Allah be pleased with him). However, he made a mistake in what he did, then he repented to Allah, and Allah accepted his repentance.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,