The Ruling on One Who Is Known for Seeking Knowledge While Spreading Backbiting, Talebearing, and Fitnah

Question:
The first question of this evening: The questioner says: Your Eminence the Shaykh. A person is looked upon as a student of knowledge in the neighborhood where he lives, but he walks among people spreading backbiting and talebearing, stirring up fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), and letting those fitnahs that are stirred up among people run their course. What is his ruling, and is there any advice for them?

Answer:
Yes, this person should be advised against backbiting and talebearing, and he should be told: You are a scholar, you are among the scholars. It is obligatory for you to reconcile people and to advise the talebearers and the arrogant. This is your duty. This matter should be emphasized with him and repeated to him, so that perhaps he will abandon this matter, realize the sin he has committed, and return to the knowledge he carries. It is obligatory to advise him, either by those around him or by recommending that the scholars around him advise him in this matter. The important thing is that it is obligatory to treat him.