Etiquette in Clarifying the Truth and Disagreement Among Scholars

Question:
O Allah, accept our supplication. Your Eminence the Shaykh, it also appears that at times, especially in days like these, there are responses exchanged between students of knowledge and among the scholars themselves. Sometimes these responses carry a degree of harshness, and sometimes they lack some of the etiquette that should exist between students of knowledge. Do you have a word to say on this matter?

Answer:
Disagreement has existed since the time of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Disagreement has been present since the era of the Companions. However, it is obligatory to be just and to maintain etiquette in this regard, and to clarify the truth in which people have differed. People have continued to differ from the time of the Companions until this day. But it is obligatory for the scholar to clarify the truth with its evidence, using a good manner and kind speech. As Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “None of us is free from being refuted, except the one in this grave,” meaning the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). So disagreement is inevitable. But it is obligatory for the people of knowledge to be fair, to establish the truth, and to clarify the truth with its evidence, while using kind speech and a good manner toward the one who erred among the people of knowledge and insight. This is because every person may make a mistake or err. However, if the person is from the people of the Sunnah, the error should be pointed out to him with a good manner and kind speech. As for the people of innovation, their innovations, misguidance, division, and disagreement are to be denounced. But if one of the people of the Sunnah makes a mistake, it is obligatory to clarify the truth to him with a good manner, with gentleness and wisdom, not with harshness, so that he accepts the truth and submits to the truth. We ask Allah for guidance for everyone.