Khilaf (differences of opinion)

When the scholar have differences in opinion on a religious matter, what should you do? What should the Muslim’s attitude be towards differences that arises between the scholars? In other words, which scholarly opinion should the Muslim follow in matters where they differed?

The answer depends on how profound the Islamic knowledge the person has. If the Muslim is one who has studied and learned its basic principles of Islamic Syariah, and he can distinguish right from wrong with regard to scholarly views, then he has to follow that which he thinks is correct and ignore that which he thinks is wrong.


But if he has poor knowledge in Islamic studies or has not studied syariah before, and thus cannot distinguish between right and wrong with regard to scholarly views, then he must seek and follow the fatwa of a scholar whose knowledge he trusts and whom he believes to be trustworthy and religiously committed.

Here is a guideline on who to seek and follow if differences of opinion or khilaf arises on a religious matter:

1) Tarjih - look for the strongest opinion among the scholars

2) Talfiq - to follow the best combine doctrines derived from the School of Thoughts (Mazhab)

3) Taqlid or Ittiba - Follow own School of Thought (Mazhab)

4) Jumhur/majority - to follow the majority opinion

5) Specialist - to follow the specialist opinion

6) Local scholar - follow the local scholar opinion

7) Urf/custom - follow the custom of a local society

8) Easiest - follow the easiest opinion without breaking the ground rules

9) Leadership - avoid unnecessary disunity, obey the authority and follow the opinion of the local leader opinion

10) Conscience - follow your conscience. The Prophet said: "Whenever something pricks your conscience, give it up." (Ahmed: #22856)

Muslims are given a choice and are free to choose whichever views or opinions we find appropriate. Muslims are not obligated to follow only one answer from a scholar or Mazhab because the one who is better may make things difficult for us with regard to a particular issue, and the one who is regarded as less knowledgeable may be right sometimes.

SMost importantly is, please stay away from scholars that are bias due to self or political intertest. Stay away from unethical scholars that are ruthless that like to slander people by addressing people with obnoxious names and labeling. Stay away from scholars that portray extremism, bigotry or racism. Choose wisely because this is a matter in regards of our presentation to Allah SWT.



Wallahu'alam