If a scholar makes a mistake in a book, what is the way to correct that error?
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The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : This has two ways: meaning, if an author makes a mistake in a book that has spread among the people and they have adopted this error, the way to that is to author a book in which you mention what you see to be the Sunnah, regardless of whether so-and-so made a mistake or did not make a mistake, unless you are asked about it. This is better. And if the people trust you more, they will adopt your saying and leave his saying. But if they trust him more, even if you refute him, they will not accept it except by the will of Allah.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : Yes, there is no harm in you saying, for example, "Some scholars have gone to such-and-such, but the stronger position is contrary to it," meaning without specifying who it is. Yes.
The Shaykh : This has two ways: meaning, if an author makes a mistake in a book that has spread among the people and they have adopted this error, the way to that is to author a book in which you mention what you see to be the Sunnah, regardless of whether so-and-so made a mistake or did not make a mistake, unless you are asked about it. This is better. And if the people trust you more, they will adopt your saying and leave his saying. But if they trust him more, even if you refute him, they will not accept it except by the will of Allah.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : Yes, there is no harm in you saying, for example, "Some scholars have gone to such-and-such, but the stronger position is contrary to it," meaning without specifying who it is. Yes.