The True [Islamic] Scholar: Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, said:  "Should I not inform you of the true [Islamic] scholar?  - S/he who does not despair people of the mercy of Allah,  - nor gives them security from the plan of Allah,  - nor permits them in disobedience to Allah,  - and does not turn away from the Quran to something else." Narrated by Ibn Battah in Ibtal al-Hiyal [The Refutation of Deceits] (p. 16), and Ibn Abi Ya'la in Tabaqat al-Hanabilah [The Classes of the Hanbalis] (2/149).