How to Recognize Scholars who are Thieves

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “If you see a religious scholar (Alim) mingling much with the ruler, know that he is a thief.” [Imam Dailami in Musnad al-Firdous]

If nothing else, the religious scholar is stealing from the religion in order to please the ruler. When such religious scholars issue Fatwas (verdicts based on the Shariah), pay no attention to them, for they have stolen from Islam and are not conveying everything honestly to you.

Seek those religious scholars who do not mix with rulers or with people of money and influence. In the rulings of these scholars the pleasure of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) is sought and not the pleasing of people.