Some say that a scholar or student of knowledge is not required to cite evidence when he declares a person from the people of the Sunnah to be an innovator. Is this correct?

Question:
Some say that a scholar or student of knowledge is not required to cite evidence when he declares a person from the people of the Sunnah to be an innovator, and that the common people must follow him in declaring this person an innovator. Is this statement correct?

Answer:
No one’s statement is accepted without evidence. No one’s statement is accepted without evidence. This is especially true in serious matters, such as declaring a person from the people of the Sunnah to be an innovator. How can someone be from the people of the Sunnah and yet be an innovator? One is not from the people of the Sunnah unless he is sound in his belief, free from innovations. Therefore, this statement is never permissible. This is a false statement. And whoever declares someone to be an innovator must cite the evidence indicating his innovation, so that it can be seen whether he is an innovator or not. Yes.