The Ruling on the Statement That Every Mujtahid Is Correct

Question:
And Honorable Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, what is your opinion of the saying that every mujtahid is correct?

Answer:
No, the truth is with one person without a doubt; the truth is with one person, because the truth does not multiply. However, the one who is not with the truth is excused if he has reached the limit of his effort and possesses the conditions of ijtihad (independent legal reasoning), but he was not successful; he is excused. But the truth is with one of the mujtahids. The one who contradicted the truth without intention is considered excused and rewarded, but it is not permissible to follow him in his error. Yes.
So we seek mercy for him and ask Allah to forgive him, but we do not follow him in his error, and we do not consider this a deficiency in him, because he is qualified for ijtihad and he has exerted his effort. As for success, it is from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He).