Fitnah of a wicked scholar and an ignorant worshiper:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

If the Fitnah caused by a wicked scholar is severe, then how much more worse is the Fitnah caused by those who pretend to be scholars, misguided and misguiding others, giving Fatwa based on their whims:

Sufyaan al-Tahwree رحمه الله said:

“Seek Allaah’s refuge from the Fitnah of an ignorant worshiper (al-`Aabid al-Jaahil), and from the Fitnah of a wicked scholar (al-`Aalim al-Faajir), for indeed their trial is a (great) affliction upon those who will be tested (through them).”

[Akhlaaq al-`Ulamaa’ (1/87) of al-Aajurree]

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله commented on the above statement of Sufyaan al-Thawree, saying:

“For indeed the people imitate their scholars and the worshipers among them. So if the scholars are wicked and the worshipers are ignorant, then calamities will spread because of them and great trials will be afflicted upon specific (individuals) and the general (mass) (i.e. everyone will be caught in their trial).”

[Miftaah Daar al-Sa`aadah (1/160))]