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The statement: "The Shaikh is affected by the people around him (those who speak to him)." Shaikh Muhammad Bazmoul (hafidhahullaah) commented on this statement: quote: Beware of such a statement oh my brothers, for indeed it is the statement of the people of innovation and desires! I have heard this statement being mentioned concerning the likes of Shaikh Bin Baaz and Shaikh al Albani (rahimahumullaah), and I have heard it mentioned about other scholars. This statement is incorrect in several ways: 1. It is belittlement of the scholar because it indicates that he is not accurate and he accepts anything mentioned to him by his students. The origin of the affair of a scholar is that he is trustworthy and accurate, and therefore this statement is in opposition to this origin. With this being the case, the person who makes such an allegation must present proofs for his claim or it is befitting that his claims is rejected and not accepted. 2. The likes of this statement was forbidden by Allaah concerning what was being said about His Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and the scholars; those who inherit from the Prophets.   quote: Allaah said in the Qur`an: {Among them are those who annoy the Prophet and say: He is lending his ear to all news. Say: He listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allaah, has faith in the believers, and is a mercy to those of you who believe. But those who annoy Allaah's Messenger will have a painful torment.} (Surah at Taubah: 61)    Imam at Tabari (rahimahullaah) mentioned in his book of Tafseer in explanation to this verse, he said: quote: Allaah is informing that from amongst the hypocrites are groups who seek to annoy the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and reprimand him by saying: He freely lends his ear. He listens to everyone who speaks to him and he accepts and believes their speech.    Shaikh Muhammad Bazmoul further explained: Consequently, this statement was mentioned by the hypocrites concerning the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and now it is being used by the people of innovation and ignorance to belittle the scholars and abandon their statements and knowledge. By performing this action, they have imitated the action of the hypocrites. Indeed there is no might or change except by the permission of Allaah! 3. This statement is used by individuals to refute the statements of the scholars concerning individuals and issues. Indeed this is from the most despicable of affairs. The statement of a scholar is only rejected based on valid, legislated proofs and evidences. Is this statement (the scholar is affected by those around him) considered a valid, legislated proof and evidence?!