What is the ruling on exaggerating one's love for a shaykh to the extent of imitating his dress and posting his pictures on social media, and where does such love stand in comparison to the love of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? And what are the guidelines for loving shaykhs?

Love for the shaykhs from among the People of the Sunnah (definition) and the Community is commendable if it leads to commitment and benefiting from knowledge and religion, provided there is no extremism or exaggeration. If this love leads to attending lessons, accompanying good people, seeking knowledge, and obeying Allah, then it is legitimate, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "A person will be with whom he loves." However, if it is merely an infatuation with meeting them or seeing their pictures without drawing closer to Allah, then it is blameworthy. If it combines both, then what brings one closer to Allah is commendable, and what is excessive is blameworthy. The important thing is not to fall into extremism or blameworthy imitation, for "Beware of extremism in religion, for indeed what destroyed those before you was extremism in religion." And the attachment to a shaykh should not reach the extent of imitating him in everything; rather, the love for shaykhs should be a consequence of loving the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his guidance.