What is the ruling on one who slanders Mu'awiyah and 'Amr ibn al-'As (may Allah be pleased with them both)?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner asks: What is the ruling on one who slanders the Companions, such as Mu'awiyah and 'Amr ibn al-'As, from among some writers and thinkers?

Answer:
These are Companions. Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) was a noble Companion, a scribe of the revelation from the scribes of the revelation to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Imam of the Muslims after 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with them both). He was the Imam of the Muslims after 'Ali, and Allah united the Muslims through him and unified their word by his hand. He has virtues, may Allah be pleased with him. Even if he had nothing but the companionship of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he would have great virtues, may Allah be pleased with him.
And 'Amr ibn al-'As also has virtues. He is the one who struggled in the cause of Allah, and he is the seasoned commander who led the armies and achieved the conquests, may Allah be pleased with him. He has high standing in Islam, so one does not belittle him or deny his worth except if he is either ignorant, or has ill intent, or is influenced by the Shi'ah who slander Mu'awiyah, 'Amr ibn al-'As, and al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah. Yes.