Belittling the Scholars

Question

What Shar‘i ruling follows from mocking and belittling the scholars of religion? Does the mocker reach the point of takfir, or is he [merely] a fasiq?

Answer

If the mockery and belittling of the scholars of religion is on account of their religious knowledge, it is kufr; and if it is for some other reason, without a Shar‘i right, it is a grave sin and wickedness, and in such a case a discretionary punishment (ta‘zir) is due.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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