The Ruling on Forbidding Criticism of the Imam’s Deputies

Question:
This questioner says: What is your opinion, Honorable Shaykh, of the one who promotes the idea that forbidding criticism of the ruler applies only to the Grand Imam and not to his deputies? We find him in gatherings indulging in backbiting and criticizing the government, on the basis that he is not criticizing the King, but rather the government, and he thereby incites hatred in people’s hearts.

Answer:
This is not permissible, and it is invalid. The deputies of the Imam have their own sanctity and status, and it is obligatory to show them respect and give them sincere advice. We do not say that they are infallible. If there is an observation to be made regarding them, or if they make a mistake, they are to be given sincere advice in private, not in public or in gatherings. They are to be given sincere advice in private, and the mistake that occurred is to be explained to them. If they accept it, praise be to Allah; otherwise, he has fulfilled his duty of advising them. They have the ruling of the Imam because they are his deputies, in terms of obedience, respect, regard for their sanctity, and refraining from attacking their character. Yes.