It must also be understood that whoever wishes to censure others may do so only with proof and a clear explanation. No one may impose an obligation on another person or forbid him anything without specific proof, except the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who conveys Allah’s message. Allah has required His creatures to obey him in matters their minds comprehend and in those they do not. What he reports is to be believed, whether it concerns matters we know or matters we do not know.
As for anyone else who says, “This is right” or “This is wrong,” if he does not substantiate this with grounds that make following him obligatory, then the first requirement for censure is that the person censuring know what he is censuring and what people are capable of. No creature of Allah, whoever he may be, has the right to invalidate a statement or declare an action forbidden except on the authority of proof. Otherwise, he is among those of whom Allah says:
“Indeed, those who dispute concerning the verses of Allah without any authority having come to them have nothing in their hearts but a desire for greatness they will never attain.”
He also says of them:
“Those who dispute concerning the verses of Allah without any authority having come to them are greatly hated by Allah and by those who believe. Thus does Allah seal the heart of every arrogant tyrant.”
Nevertheless, I remain forbearing towards those who disagree with me. Even if someone transgresses Allah’s limits in his treatment of me—by declaring me an unbeliever or a sinner, fabricating accusations against me, or displaying the partisan zeal of the days of ignorance—I do not transgress Allah’s limits in my treatment of him. Rather, I keep my words and actions under control, weigh them in the scales of justice, and make them follow the Book that Allah revealed as guidance for people and as a judge in their disagreements. Allah Most High says:
“Mankind was one community. Then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of glad tidings and warnings, and sent down with them the Book in truth to judge between people concerning their disagreements.”
He Most High also says:
“If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah