What is the ruling regarding a religious scholar who is asked about a matter of Islamic law which he knows, but he refrains from answering?

Whoever possesses knowledge must impart it to the inquirer, and it is forbidden for him to conceal it, for Allah the Almighty says: (And [mention] when Allah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture, [saying], "You must make it clear to the people and not conceal it.") And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever is asked about knowledge and conceals it will be bridled on the Day of Resurrection with a bridle of fire."

However, a scholar may refrain from speaking about a certain matter for fear of tribulation, or because the inquirer does not fully grasp what is being said. A scholar speaks in a way that can be understood and treats each person according to their level of understanding. Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "Speak to people according to what they know. Do you wish that Allah and His Messenger be denied?" And Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "You will not tell a people a narration that their minds cannot comprehend, except that it will be a tribulation for some of them."

And a Muslim should think well of the people of knowledge and find excuses for them.