The Ruling on Scholarly Disagreement in Legal Matters

Question:
The questioner says: Some people have become confused in their affairs. Some say that a certain matter is forbidden and not permissible, while others say it is permissible, and yet others say it is disliked. Why is there not a unification in the rulings, especially since we are in one country?

Answer:
Disagreement among people is a reality, and disagreement is inevitable because people’s perspectives differ, their levels of understanding differ, their degree of knowledge differs, and their desires differ as well. One person seeks the truth while another seeks falsehood, so it is not possible for people to agree and be in complete alignment. However, praise be to Allah, He has not left us to our own opinions, views, and disagreements. Allah commanded us to refer to His Book and the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). We take what is supported by evidence from among the disagreements, opinions, and fatwas. Allah the Exalted said: So, the one who is capable of determining the stronger position and knowing the evidence refers the opinions to the Book and the Sunnah, and he follows whatever is found to be stronger. As for the one who has neither knowledge nor the ability to do so, he should ask the people of knowledge and insight. Allah the Exalted said: Yes.