What is the ruling on disparaging the righteous, God-fearing scholars?

Rabbinic scholars must be respected and revered due to their carrying of Allah's religion and the heritage of the messengers. They are the heirs of the prophets, and Allah Almighty has made them witnesses to monotheism. Ibn Asakir said: "Indeed, the flesh of scholars is poisoned, and Allah's way of tearing the veils of those who disparage them is well-known." Rabbinic scholars are the foremost among those whose honor as Muslims must be protected, and slandering them is forbidden and diminishes the value of knowledge. It may even lead the perpetrator to apostasy if the slander targets the religion they uphold.