What is the ruling on seeking Sharia knowledge from a scholar who exhibits strange behaviors and actions that contravene the Sharia and common practice, such as: setting difficult study times, permitting listening to music, defining 'awrah (nakedness) outside of prayer as that which is covered by underwear, uttering obscenities, wearing gold, excessive suspicion of others, frequenting mixed-gender gatherings, watching TV series, insisting on cutting ties with those he decides should be cut off, considering Udhiyah (sacrifice) an individual obligation (fard ayn), claiming truthful visions, and belittling other scholars, while he is unique in his knowledge and deduces many rulings and interprets verses extensively? Is this question considered backbiting against him?

The scholar from whom knowledge is taken must be pious and sound in belief. What has been mentioned about this sheikh—his actions (listening to music, wearing gold, ill-suspicion, nudity, arrogance, following TV series, looking at women, staying up late in mixed places, and belittling scholars)—contradicts piety and the ethics of people of knowledge. If what is mentioned about him is true, then there is no good in following him or accompanying him. It is not safe that he might teach incorrect information or influence his students with those bad morals. The duty is to avoid this sheikh and search for another. If none is found, then travel to seek knowledge, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." What has been mentioned does not count as backbiting, as long as the inquirer genuinely wishes to know the ruling.