and no one is free (1) of falling into one of three states: either he is a mujtahid who reaches the correct ruling, or he is mistaken, or he is sinful. The first is rewarded and thanked; the second, in addition to the reward for his ijtihād, is excused and forgiven; and as for the third—may Allah forgive us, him, and all the believers.

Accordingly, every statement that conflicts with this principle should be folded up and set aside (2)—such as people saying, “So-and-so fell short,” “So-and-so did nothing,” “Because of so-and-so the Shaykh was harmed,” “So-and-so caused this incident,” “So-and-so used to speak about such-and-such (3),” “So-and-so… so-and-so… (4).” Any words of this kind that disparage some of the companions and brothers—I will not overlook anyone who hurts them in this way; there is no might nor power except with Allah.

In fact, such talk rebounds upon its speaker with blame, unless he had a good intention—in which case he is among those whom Allah may pardon if He wills (5), and Allah has already forgiven what is past.

You also know that whatever firmness or roughness may occur (6) toward certain companions and brothers—whether it took place in Damascus (7) or is now taking place in Cairo—carries no dishonour or shortcoming for the one concerned, nor has it occasioned any change