the question, while the questioner interprets the answer according to what is already in his own mind, and so the mistake arises. The scholar may in fact have given the correct ruling once he understood the question, but the listener misapprehends it and transmits it inaccurately.

In any case, sincere advice to the Muslim leaders in knowledge and religion requires that one not track down their faults. Instead, look for a charitable explanation. Make contact and say, “I heard that you said such-and-such; is that accurate?” If he answers, “Yes,” then say, “I think this is a mistake,” and let him clarify the matter for you. Perhaps he will explain something you were unaware of and that led you to think he had erred; or perhaps you will alert him to something that escaped his notice, and you will be thanked for it.

The very first leader of this community, in both religion and government, after the Messenger of Allah ﷺ—Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him)—stood in his inaugural sermon and said of himself, “If I deviate, correct me.” He said this because every human being is prone to error.

Therefore, set your brother straight—especially the scholars—for a scholar bears tremendous khatar (risk): the danger of slipping and the lofty danger of high standing, for the Arabic word khatar covers both ascent and descent. His risk is immense: if he is right, Allah guides many people through him; if he is wrong, many people go astray because of him. A scholar’s misstep is among the gravest of slips.

For that reason I say: we must protect the honor of our scholars, defend them, and look for excuses for their mistakes. This does not prevent us from approaching them, questioning them, researching with them, and discussing matters openly, so that we may be genuine, sincere advisers to the leaders of the Muslims.

The second category of the Muslims’ leaders are those who wield political authority—the rulers. Generally speaking, rulers err more often than scholars, because the power they possess can make them proud in their wrongdoing.