Is it permissible to leave off some of the recommended practices out of fear of causing fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) or division among the Muslims?
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The questioner : The questioner says, honorableThe Shaykh : Is it permissible to leave off some of the recommended practices out of fear of causing fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) or division among the Muslims?
The Shaykh : Like what?
The questioner : He did not specify.
The Shaykh : Yes. It seems, and Allah knows best, that he wants to leave off raising the hands, for example, in the prayer, because some scholars say that raising the hands in the prayer is specific to the opening takbir (saying Allahu akbar) only. They disapprove of those who raise their hands when bowing, when rising from bowing, and when standing up from the tashahhud (the testification recited while sitting in prayer). So is it better for me to oppose what they are doing in order to follow the Sunnah, or is it better for me to leave off the Sunnah to reconcile their hearts? The second option is preferable. However, even so, he should not leave off the Sunnah; he should practice it in his home. He should teach these people that the truth lies in raising the hands. Then, once they are reassured by his statement, he should raise his hands. Yes.
The Shaykh : Like what?
The questioner : He did not specify.
The Shaykh : Yes. It seems, and Allah knows best, that he wants to leave off raising the hands, for example, in the prayer, because some scholars say that raising the hands in the prayer is specific to the opening takbir (saying Allahu akbar) only. They disapprove of those who raise their hands when bowing, when rising from bowing, and when standing up from the tashahhud (the testification recited while sitting in prayer). So is it better for me to oppose what they are doing in order to follow the Sunnah, or is it better for me to leave off the Sunnah to reconcile their hearts? The second option is preferable. However, even so, he should not leave off the Sunnah; he should practice it in his home. He should teach these people that the truth lies in raising the hands. Then, once they are reassured by his statement, he should raise his hands. Yes.