What is the ruling on delving into the honor of preachers, classifying them, and attributing them to parties?

Speaking about and criticizing Muslim preachers and students of knowledge, whether secretly or openly, is a conduct that goes against what Allah and His Messenger have commanded, because: 1. It is an infringement upon their rights, despite the efforts they have made in educating people. 2. It divides the unity of Muslims and tears apart their ranks, at a time when they are most in need of unity. 3. It is a form of support and assistance to the enemies of Islam, such as secularists and atheists. 4. It corrupts the hearts of both the general public and the elite, and spreads lies and rumors. 5. Much of this talk has no basis in truth, and it falls under blameworthy conjecture which Allah has forbidden. 6. What stems from an ijtihad (independent reasoning) that allows for differing opinions should be debated in the best manner, not through disparagement.

Our advice to these individuals is to repent to Allah, atone for their actions by writing exonerations for those they slandered, occupy themselves with productive work, and beware of rushing into declaring others disbelievers (takfir), morally corrupt (tafsiq), or innovators (tabdi') without proof. As for preachers and students of knowledge, they should refer to reputable scholars when facing difficulties, as stated in the verse: (And when there comes to them a matter of security or fear, they publicize it. But if they had referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them, then the ones who can draw correct conclusions from it would have known about it. And had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few.) [An-Nisa: 83].