The Meaning of the Verse “And It Is Not Criticism by Absolute Rejection” in Excusing the People of Innovation

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, he says: The words of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) in the verses that begin with “And it is not criticism by absolute rejection” up to the end of the verses, do they not mean being lenient with the people of innovation by seeking excuses for them and rationalizing their mistakes?

Answer:
He says: Knowledge regarding those who are targeted, such as the Imam, whether it is the Imam, if the Imam errs, may he be forgiven and may Allah have mercy on him, or Imam Malik, or Imam Abu Hanifah, or Imam al-Shafi'i, the knowledge regarding those targeted is by mention. As for beliefs, these are not like ijtihad, which is discretionary; so his words (may Allah have mercy on him) are in matters that are the domain of ijtihad in issues of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). As for beliefs, no. The questioner, humility is the limit of ijtihad.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you