Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Sometimes the behaviour of certain people involved in da`wah or spreading knowledge appears to be inconsistent with Prophetic teachings. Should we maintain a good opinion of them and make excuses for them or should we apply different criteria to them?
We should maintain a good opinion of all people. This does not prevent us, however, from giving sincere advice and counsel to such people. Our counsel should be appropriate to their station and personality.