Does there have to be consensus of the scholars before declaring someone an innovator

Question:

Some people stipulate in the principle those who do not declare the innovator to be a innovator consensus.

Answer:

This stipulation is not correct, that we don’t declare the innovator an innovator except if there is consensus upon it. By Allaah they didn’t have consensus on many of the innovators. Some differing occurred between people, they didn’t have consensus, while they are indeed innovators. The Muslims didn’t have consensus upon that. But if a persons innovation is known and it became clear from the angle that this one who conveyed to that one that he is a innovator and the evidence is such an such and the proofs.

It’s not befitting, rather its not allowed for him to oppose it, or that which’s ruling is correct legally concerning the people of innovation, nor argue on behalf of those that betray themselves that they didn’t have consensus on declaring him an innovator, claiming consensus of the ummah upon his Tabdee’. This stipulation means that it will not be actualized in many of the people of innovation.

And upon this the Salaf proceeded may Allaah be pleased with them, that if he is declared an innovator with clear proofs and evidences, declared an innovator from one who has knowledge of that, that they accept it. And Ahlus-Sunnah have not ceased declaring the people of innovation to be innovators without waiting for there to be consensus of the people with him upon that. Whoever knows is a proof against the one who doesn’t know. This stipulation is not correct.

Answered by: Shaykh, the Allamah, the Trustworthy Advisor, Abu Abdirrahman Yahya bin Ali Al-Hajuri – may Allah preserve him

Translated by: Abu ‘Abdillaah ‘Omar bin Yahyaa Al-‘Akawi

Source: https://t.me/ShaykhYahyaEn/1084