Denouncing Innovations and Sins with Scriptural Evidence

Question:
When we denounce the errors and innovations committed by those who have influence over people, and whose innovations—especially in matters of creed—spread and are exaggerated, some people oppose us by claiming that the truth requires mentioning both the good deeds and the faults, and that their struggle in da'wah and their seniority prevent them from being criticized publicly. We ask for clarification of the correct methodology: Is it obligatory to mention the good deeds? And does a prior record in da'wah exempt one from mentioning their well-known errors that are discussed among people?

Answer:
It is obligatory for the people of knowledge to denounce apparent innovations and sins with scriptural evidence, through encouragement and warning, and in a good manner. It is not obligatory to mention the good deeds of the innovator in this context. However, if the one who enjoins good and forbids evil mentions them to the person who committed the innovation or the wrong, as a reminder of his good deeds and to encourage him to repent, that is good. It is one of the reasons for the acceptance of the call and for returning to repentance. May Allah guide them all.