Are religious scholars responsible for the sins of the people?

Harith Ibn Moqayrah narrated:

Are religious scholars responsible for the sins of the people?

On my way to Medina, I met Imam Sadeq (AS). Imam (AS) said: Are you Harith? I replied: Yes. Imam (AS) said: Beware that sins of your ignorant people will be the burden for your scholars. After a while I went to Imam Sadeq’s (AS) house and said: You told me that scholars bear the burden of sins for the ignorant, I became really worried about this saying. Imam Sadeq (AS) said: What has stopped you to blame some of your people when you heard that they commit sins which upset us? And why with expressive and decisive expressions did not prohibit them from committing sins? I replied: May my life be sacrificed for you, they do not obey or accept our saying. Imam Sadeq (AS) said: In that case stay away from them and do not take part in their gatherings [1].

[1] Rowdhatal Kafi, Vol. , Page 162.

Source: en.shafaqna.com

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