The Noble Shaykh Rabee’ was asked:
Is declaring someone to be thiqah (reliable), similar to the information he carries, something that’s specifically for the scholars, or is it for every reliable person even if he is not a scholar, like the students of knowledge as an example?
Shaykh Rabee’ (may Allah preserve him) responded:
I will give details (in my response) to this question. If the matter is apparent like the Raafidah, then yes it is for the students of knowledge (to pass a ruling). As for those problematic affairs which are in need of investigation, then this is specifically for the ‘ulamaa.
Translated by Abu Yusuf Khaleefah
6th of Rajab, 1436 H (04-25-2015)
Masjid Nur Allah, Queens, NYC
http://masjidnurallah.com/2015/06/24/problematic-affairs-require-investigation/