Hadhrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya rahmatullahi alaih says: “A very important issue is that the differences of thefuqahaa and muhadditheen are in its place. However, because of this we should never entertain evil thoughts regarding them or display any type of disrespect. This is extremely detrimental. I emphasise and stress on this point in my lessons of hadeeth.
Once, during the lessons of hadeeth of Hadhrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi rahmatullahi alaih, a hadeeth which apparently opposed the Hanafi view was discussed. Upon hearing the brilliant explanation delivered by Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi rahmatullahi alaih, one of the students exclaimed: ‘If Imaam Shaafi`ee rahmatullahi alaih had heard this explanation, he would have retracted from his view.’ Hadhrat rahmatullahi alaih responded: ‘Toubah, toubah, astaghfirullah! If Imaam Shaafi`ee rahmatullahi alaih had been present then my explanation would not have been anything more than a simple doubt which Imaam Shaafi`ee rahmatullahi alaih would have answered. Since the a’immah-e-mujtahideen are not present, it is only their statements that are before us and we find the statements of Imaam Abu Hanifah rahmatullahi alaih to be closest to the Qur’aan and Hadeeth. Therefore, we support it. Otherwise, if supposing any of the a’immah-e-mujtahideen were present now, there would have been no other option but to follow him.’
Let alone showing disrespect and having ill-feelings for the Ulama and a’immah-e-mujtahideen, even disrespecting a normal person or Muslim and having ill-feelings for him is not permissible under any circumstances. Allah Ta`ala forbid, if one disrespects any of these seniors then remember that one will lose everything.
In the time of Hadhrat Moulana Madani rahmatullahi alaih and Hadhrat Moulana Thanwi rahmatullahi alaih many people made lot of noise. Juniors generally have the tendency of objecting and declaring others as kaafir. Refrain from all these aspects and focus on your own work. There are many incidents regarding the differences of the pious which I cannot recall now.
We have heard regarding our elders that people would accept Islam merely by seeing their appearances and ways. On the other hand, if people have to look at our conduct where will they go?” (Malfoozaat Hadhrat Shaikh rahmatullahi alaih, p. 62)