The Shaykh's context regarding the example struck by Ibn Rushd (may Allah have mercy on him) concerning the independent jurist and the non-independent jurist
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The Shaykh : I am concluding this speech because it is actually the ninth hour, and the voice has started to change with us. There is an issue that drew attention, raised by a scholar from the scholars of Andalus, namely Ibn Rushd the Andalusian, who follows the Maliki school of jurisprudence. He struck an example for the independent jurist and the follower of a scholar without knowing his evidence, a very beautiful example containing a lesson for whoever takes heed. He said: The example of the independent jurist and the follower of a scholar without knowing his evidence is like the example of the seller of slippers and the maker of slippers. The seller of slippers is the one who sells shoes, and the maker of shoes is the one who makes them. He said: A man comes to the seller of slippers and asks for a specific size. We would say, for instance, "standing" (meaning a very rare case), a man with large, wide, and short feet. He opens the slippers among the models available to him and does not find this unusual size. He tells him, "With all due respect, I do not have it." He goes to the maker of slippers and tells him, "I want a slipper of this size." He tells him, "Certainly," because he is the one who makes them. This is the example of the independent jurist.
The questioner : And the follower of a scholar without knowing his evidence.
The Shaykh : And that one is like the follower of a scholar without knowing his evidence. So where do these people get the answers to questions when they are posed to them, especially in those lands?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Therefore, we advise them and emphasize this advice to them: as long as they have sincerity and zeal for Islam, and they convey the message to the people, they should devote themselves to seeking knowledge as much as they are able to do so. After that, perhaps Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will enable them to acquire this knowledge and open up for them the field of calling to Allah in truth. Otherwise, one who lacks a thing cannot give it.
The questioner : And the follower of a scholar without knowing his evidence.
The Shaykh : And that one is like the follower of a scholar without knowing his evidence. So where do these people get the answers to questions when they are posed to them, especially in those lands?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Therefore, we advise them and emphasize this advice to them: as long as they have sincerity and zeal for Islam, and they convey the message to the people, they should devote themselves to seeking knowledge as much as they are able to do so. After that, perhaps Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will enable them to acquire this knowledge and open up for them the field of calling to Allah in truth. Otherwise, one who lacks a thing cannot give it.