The obligation of the student when it becomes clear to him that the opinion he acted upon was incorrect
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Question:
The position of the reader or student in this case. Shaykh Salih, if one reads such opinions and acts upon them, and then discovers that they are not the stronger of the scholars' opinions, what is the guidance in this case?
Answer:
The stronger opinion is for the reader and student, if he understands the distinction between the stronger and the weaker opinion and knows the evidence, that he must adopt what is supported by the evidence. It is not permissible for him to adopt the weaker opinion merely because he loves its author, or feels affection for him, or holds him in high esteem. The truth is more deserving of being followed than innovation.
As for if this reader or student is a beginner and does not know how to derive evidence or determine which opinion is stronger, he must ask the people of knowledge. He should ask the trustworthy among the people of knowledge and follow their opinions. The people of knowledge who know the stronger from the weaker opinion and know the evidence; he should follow their opinions. And if it happens that a person adopted the opinions of someone whom it later became clear to him was mistaken in them, or in some of them, may Allah forgive him for that. Praise be to Allah, because he did not intend the error. Good. But once the truth becomes clear to him, yes, he must adopt the truth. And with this, Allah will forgive him.
The presenter:
May Allah bless you. May Allah reward you with good.
The position of the reader or student in this case. Shaykh Salih, if one reads such opinions and acts upon them, and then discovers that they are not the stronger of the scholars' opinions, what is the guidance in this case?
Answer:
The stronger opinion is for the reader and student, if he understands the distinction between the stronger and the weaker opinion and knows the evidence, that he must adopt what is supported by the evidence. It is not permissible for him to adopt the weaker opinion merely because he loves its author, or feels affection for him, or holds him in high esteem. The truth is more deserving of being followed than innovation.
As for if this reader or student is a beginner and does not know how to derive evidence or determine which opinion is stronger, he must ask the people of knowledge. He should ask the trustworthy among the people of knowledge and follow their opinions. The people of knowledge who know the stronger from the weaker opinion and know the evidence; he should follow their opinions. And if it happens that a person adopted the opinions of someone whom it later became clear to him was mistaken in them, or in some of them, may Allah forgive him for that. Praise be to Allah, because he did not intend the error. Good. But once the truth becomes clear to him, yes, he must adopt the truth. And with this, Allah will forgive him.
The presenter:
May Allah bless you. May Allah reward you with good.
Source
نور على الدرب - الفوزان - 01/155 — archive.org (9:59)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.