What are the ranks and states of those who insult the Companions, and what does love for them necessitate?

Whoever reviles the Companions, there are several levels: The first: Accusing most of them of disbelief (takfir), and this is disbelief because it is a denial of Allah and His Messenger. The second: Cursing them and disparaging them, concerning which there are two opinions among scholars regarding their disbelief. As for those who do not deem them disbelievers, such a person is flogged and imprisoned. The third: Reviling them with something that does not impugn their religion, such as cowardice or stinginess. This does not make him a disbeliever, but he is disciplined (ta'zeer). The love of the Companions necessitates affection for them in the heart, praising them, thinking well of them, defending them, and hating those who hate them. This is the moderate stance adopted by the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah.