Question:
The questioner says: In my country, there are some brothers who, if they find someone who is not upon the methodology of al-Salaf al-Salih (the righteous predecessors), speak against him with harsh words and mention bad descriptions of him, saying, “These people have no honor, so backbiting them is permissible.” Is this correct?
Answer:
No, this is not correct. Is it part of the methodology of the righteous Salaf to defame people, disparage them, and demean those who hold differing views? This is not from the methodology of the righteous Salaf; it is not from the methodology of the righteous Salaf.
As I have told you, whoever affiliates themselves with the methodology of the righteous Salaf must study their methodology and know it—mere affiliation is not enough. The righteous Salaf did not use to disparage, insult, and backbite in gatherings; they did not do this. Rather, they would offer sincere advice. Sincere advice, not public exposure; advice, not exposure—this is the way of the righteous Salaf. Yes.