If you see that a scholar has erred in something, is it permissible for you to advise him and discuss it with him if he is interpreting the matter?
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Question : A person says that a scholar has erred in something, for example, in his view. However, the person suspects that this scholar is higher in rank and more knowledgeable about the matter than he is. He sees it as an error, but the scholar interprets it. Does the interpretation have a valid basis, or is he obligated to clarify it?
Answer : No, he is obligated to advise with what he sees as the best. It may not be in the public interest to speak to the scholar in front of people. So he should postpone the matter until he is alone with him, or write him a note, for example, stating that the issue is such and such. Because any person is susceptible to error, whether out of ignorance or forgetfulness. Yes. He writes him a letter, and when he reads it, the argument is established against him. And if there is a discussion, because he might read it and see that the truth is with the other party, and not speak about it. If he discusses it after the people have dispersed and when he is alone with him, that is good.
Answer : No, he is obligated to advise with what he sees as the best. It may not be in the public interest to speak to the scholar in front of people. So he should postpone the matter until he is alone with him, or write him a note, for example, stating that the issue is such and such. Because any person is susceptible to error, whether out of ignorance or forgetfulness. Yes. He writes him a letter, and when he reads it, the argument is established against him. And if there is a discussion, because he might read it and see that the truth is with the other party, and not speak about it. If he discusses it after the people have dispersed and when he is alone with him, that is good.
Source
قناة «فضيلة الشيخ محمد بن صالح العثيمين»، 3923 - 4600 إذا رأيت أن عالما أخطأ بشيء هل لي أن أنصحه وأناقشه إذا كان هو متأول؟ ابن عثيمين — youtube.com
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.
