A Bad Opinion of a Pious Elder

Question

If one has no reverence for a certain pious elder, but rather harbours a bad opinion of him — what should he do?

Answer

Let him consider: I too am a seeker of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, and without it I cannot be saved. If mercy descends upon this elder, who can prevent it? He will attain salvation, but the sin of harbouring a bad opinion of him will remain upon me. Until he forgives, my own forgiveness will not come about; therefore this bad opinion must be removed.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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