A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Justice and balance in criticism and evaluation.
Evaluation encompasses two meanings.
The first is to clarify the value of a thing.
The second is to rectify that which is crooked and provide guidance.
It is incumbent upon a person, when they intend to evaluate and critique something,
to adhere to justice in doing so.
They must not wrong those they disagree with when criticizing them,
by broadcasting all their faults and exaggerating them,
while disparaging the good they possess,
or by harboring ill assumptions about them and their intentions.
Likewise, one should not exaggerate in praising those who align with one's own inclinations,
to the point of justifying all their mistakes and turning a blind eye to them.
The middle, just position in this regard,
is for a person to approach the individual or group they wish to evaluate
through fair and balanced study,
without excess in optimism or pessimism,
or in love or hatred.
Rather, one should mention the virtues of the one being criticized so that they may be emulated,
and mention their faults,
so that they may be avoided and rectified.
One should advise those who possess such faults with gentleness and affection.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.