What is the ruling on some people attributing fatwas to scholars that they did not say?

Question : Many people attribute things and fatwas to a scholar that he did not say. They say, "So-and-so said," or "We heard from people that Shaykh So-and-so said such-and-such," even though the Shaykh did not say this. What is your guidance for students of knowledge regarding this?

Answer : What you mentioned is correct. Many people attribute things to some scholars that they did not say. The reason for this is several matters. First, the questioner may present the question to the scholar in a way that is not what is in his mind. The scholar answers according to what he heard, while the questioner based his question on what was in his mind. He assumes that the scholar answered what was in his mind. This is one reason.
The second reason is that the scholar may understand the question, and it may be what is in the questioner's heart. He answers correctly, but the questioner understands the answer in a way other than its intended meaning, so he transmits it.
The third reason is the air. Some people attach words to some scholars that they did not say at all, but they want to tarnish the reputation. Tarnishing this scholar's reputation is sweeter to this man than honey. But on the Day of Resurrection, it is a matter of patience. Let the one who spreads things about scholars to tarnish their reputations prepare for the answer or the punishment. Fourth.
Is it of another kind? A person may want it to be said that this is haram (forbidden). If he attributed the ruling of prohibition to himself, people would not accept it from him. But he attributes it to a renowned scholar who is accepted by people so that it will be accepted.
Therefore, I say that if one hears a statement from a scholar that he finds strange and condemns, let him contact the scholar and ask him before transmitting it from this scholar.

The presenter : Very well, very well. Given these possibilities we mentioned that occur with many people.