Calling One’s Imam and Teacher a Pig and a Hypocrite

Question

A man appointed a learned scholar as imam of the mosque and prayed behind him for several years; besides the prayer he also learns certain litanies from him. Over a trifle this man called his teacher a pig, a hypocrite and the like, and dismissed him from the imamate. What is the Sacred ruling on such a man who humiliates his teacher? And how should the other Muslims treat him?

Answer

To revile a Muslim is transgression (fisq), and to call him a hypocrite and the like is by no means permissible. All the more, to say such words to one’s own imam and teacher is proof of utter shamelessness and deprivation. Therefore he must ask the imam’s forgiveness for these words, repent for the future and pledge never to say such words — especially about his teacher.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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