The Correct Method of Responding to Those Who Have Erred

Question:
A questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, what is the correct method of responding to someone from the general public who has made a mistake? And what if the person is a scholar or a student of knowledge? We ask for clarification on the method of response, and may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
One must clarify, distinguishing the error from the truth, and present the evidence for the error and for the truth. One must not lie about the person. Beware of lying about the person. Do not attribute to him what he did not say, or convey his words by their meaning when you have not understood his intent. Quote his text verbatim so that we may stand upon the truth and know whether it is an error or the truth. This is scholarly integrity. This is what a person should be. As for being patient with the people of falsehood and the people of [garbled], that is deception of the community. Clarification is necessary, whether people are pleased or displeased.