Comparing Scholars and Students of Knowledge

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this questioner says: Is it permissible for us to rank scholars and students of knowledge by saying that this scholar is better than that one? Is this for everyone, or is it specific to scholars among themselves?

Answer:
This is not permissible because it leads to harms. We should hold a good opinion of all Muslim scholars, as long as none of them intentionally commits an error. If an error occurs without his intention, it does not diminish his status. However, if he persists in the error, there is no doubt that this diminishes his status. But it is not befitting for us to make our occupation praising this one and criticizing that one. This kind of speech is not permissible for us, especially if it is a matter of boasting, such as saying so-and-so is better than so-and-so. This boasting is not permissible, even regarding the Prophets. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: , . If this stirs up fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) and stirs up evil, then it is not permissible, neither among the Prophets nor among the scholars.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you