Does one who commits some sins that do not harm others, despite his intense hatred for innovations (bidʻah) and their proponents, depart from the methodology of the Righteous Salaf? And is it correct to prefer him over innovators, regardless of their devotion?

The criterion for judging whether a group or an individual follows the Sunnis and the Jama'ah or deviates from them lies in the fundamentals and beliefs. Sins and transgressions are serious, and one must repent from them. A believer does not take his sins lightly. It is absolutely incorrect to say that a disobedient person is better than an innovative worshiper. For the worshiper might be excused, as the proof has not been established against him, and in that case, he is better than someone who insists on committing sins and thinks he is better than others.