FATWA: 'IS THE JARH OF A SCHOLAR BINDING?'

IS THE JARH OF A SCHOLAR BINDING?

Category: Fatwa
Type: Manhaj
Shaykh: Shaykh Ubayd Al-Jaabari حفظه الله ورعاه
Source:  الأجوبة الجابرية
Date: November 15th, 2017 (Safar 25th, 1439)
Translator: Abu 'Abdil-Haadee Khaleel Davis

QUESTION: When is it said, that this Jarh (criticism) is binding on me and this Jarh is not binding on me?

RESPONSE: The origin is, that this is not based on the manhaj of the salaf. The Jarh, if it is issued from a scholar with experience about men and articles(they write), it is an obligation to accept it. As long as he has established upon him the evidence. Therefore, the scholars said: The detailed criticism takes precedence over the general praise. We do not make it binding on the people our words or statements of Fulaan wa 'Alaan. That in which binds them is the evidence. Yes.