Some people, when a scholar’s statement is presented to them, respond with Imam Malik’s saying: “Every person’s words are to be taken and rejected…”

Question:
The Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, says: Some people who follow their desires, when a scholar’s statement in a doctrinal or methodological fatwa is presented to them and they do not like it and do not follow the evidence, quote Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him): “Every person’s words are to be taken and rejected, except the owner of this grave.” What is the guidance regarding these people?

Answer:
Yes, Imam Malik’s statement is true. This applies to matters where the evidence has not become clear, specifically ijtihadi matters where the evidence has not become clear for one of the parties, or where the evidence has become clear for one of two parties in ijtihadi matters. As for matters of creed, they are not a field for ijtihad or disagreement. This statement applies to matters of fiqh and ijtihadi issues. But these people either do not understand, which is the apparent case, or they are being stubborn. Yes.