Shaykh Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi’i was asked:
Quuestion:
When the Scholars differ on an issue, does a person weigh their statements and take what is appropriate for him although he is not from the people who can judge the preferred opinion? Is this considered from following the allowances?
Answer:
“This is an important issue. Some of the Azharis have injected their poison in many of the lands of Islam. They used to speak about the likes of this in the Islamic University that if there is an issue, look at the statements of the jurists then take the easiest position for the people. It is as if they are representatives of the religion of Allah. The statements of the jurists are not proof; rather, whoever is able to look at their evidences and statements, then he chooses the most correct position which is required by the evidence. Otherwise, the Lord of Might says in His Noble Book:
فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
So ask of those who know the Scripture [learned men of the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], if you know not
[16:43]
As for the Azharis playing much in regards to what is appropriate and what suits the reality of the people, then no. The scholars have said following the allowances [given by the scholars] is apostasy. They said if someone drinks nabeedh [fermented fruit juice that can intoxicate] according to the opinion of the people of Kufa, and listens to music according to the opinion of the people of Madinah, and other issues like this, then he would apostate. It is necessary to take what the evidence requires. Otherwise, ask the people of knowledge for the evidence. Yes”.
Translated by
Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan
