Backbiting by the imam, and the like

Question

What is [the ruling on] an imam harshly berating others, using words that defame people’s honour while singling [them] out as targets among the followers (muqtadis), and, within the mosque grounds, speaking ill of others behind their backs together with a few people?

Answer

No one has the right to berate anyone harshly without reason; the honour of no Muslim whatsoever may be defamed. One should not point at any particular person; the followers should be corrected with gentleness and wisdom.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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