The Ruling on Speaking Ill of the Rulers

Question:
He says: In recent times, there has been a lot of speaking ill of the rulers, describing them with inappropriate terms, flattering them, and so on. We ask for guidance and advice?

Answer:
This is the path of the Khawarij, whom the Ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) rejected, and whom the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against and ordered to be killed. The Khawarij, when their affair first began, used to speak about the rulers in gatherings and with the Muslims they were alone with, until this led to the carrying of weapons among the Muslims and fighting among the Muslims. So this is the path of the Khawarij, and this is the beginning of the Khawarij. Speaking about the rulers in gatherings is the path of the Khawarij. We must beware of this. Yes.