The Ruling on Mentioning the Mistakes of Rulers and Scholars and Mocking Them

Question:
Your Eminence the Shaykh (may Allah preserve him). What is the ruling on mentioning the mistakes of rulers and judges, or those to whom they delegate authority, as well as scholars, or mocking them, whether in gatherings, in Friday sermons, or on social media platforms? The questioner is Shaykh 'Abd al-Muhsin ibn Sa'id al-Qahtani, an employee of the Higher Institute for the Judiciary.

Answer:
As I have mentioned and repeated, this is the methodology of the Khawarij. The Khawarij belittle the status of the rulers of the Muslims and seek out their mistakes. They spread them, but these people are abandoned by Allah, and the consequences of their actions return to them. They have not harmed Allah, and they have not harmed the Muslims in any way. It is obligatory to respect the rulers of the Muslims, and it is obligatory to make du'a' (supplication) for them. Yes.
It is obligatory to make du'a' for the rulers of the Muslims. Imam Ahmad, the Imam of the people of the Sunnah (may Allah have mercy on him), said: If I knew that I had a supplication that would be answered, I would direct it to the ruler. Because if the ruler is righteous, the community becomes righteous and the religion prevails. So the du'a' for him is not for his person alone, but it is a du'a' for him, for the religion, and for the Muslims. And among the principles of the people of the Sunnah and the community is making du'a' for the rulers in Friday sermons and on every occasion, asking for their victory and support. And if the rulers are given victory by Allah, honored by Allah, and guided by Allah, that is for the benefit of the Muslims and for the benefit of this religion. Yes.