How to Approach the Matters in Which There Is a Difference of Opinion?

Answered by Shaykh Farid Dingle

Question

When there is an isolated opinion that contradicts the general opinion can we say that there is a difference of opinion/divergence?

Answer

Differences in the agreement can be broken down into two different categories: differences that have a valid basis, and those that are invalid.

Those that are invalid are those that contradict categorical authentic texts, that only accept one particular meaning. To differ on such issues is either poor, genuine ignorance, or outright disbelief.

Valid difference of agreement comes from religious texts that are either someone probabilistic in how they have reached us, such as only reaching us from one or two people at one point in the chain, or texts that accept more than one interpretation.

Even if the difference of agreement has a basis, there still might be differences of agreement, but the judge would not give any theological or judicial weight to the divergent opinion.

People can say what they want, as long as they don’t bend the truth, and as long as they don’t harm people in their religion. This can even happen with a valid difference of agreement.

I pray this helps.

[Shaykh] Farid Dingle
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language