A Preacher Without Good Deeds and His Younger Brother's Rebuke

Question

A certain person is a scholar of the religion, yet he does not act upon it himself, and many faults are found in him. This person occasionally gives sermons and lectures, and sometimes preaches after the Friday prayer as well. Once he announced that he would preach, but his younger brother stood up to oppose him and said: “Are you fit to give a sermon?” Should he refrain from preaching in this situation?

Answer

Since the elder brother is also a scholar, the younger brother is obliged to show him double respect. The manner the younger brother used is utterly wrong and blameworthy. He must seek the elder brother's forgiveness and refrain from such conduct in future.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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