If the argument is strong but the person is not convinced by it, what is his ruling?
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The questioner : If the argument is strong, but the person is not convinced by it, what is his ruling?
The Shaykh : This is obstinacy. If a person did not accept an argument unless he was convinced by it, he would end up worshipping his own desires instead of worshipping Allah (Mighty and Majestic).
The questioner : He is not convinced.
The Shaykh : It does not help that he is convinced. Why is he not convinced? Is it because of the person, or because of the argument? For example, if we inform him that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said something, and he is not convinced.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : If there is a plausible reason, meaning if he interprets it based on a valid interpretation, then he is among those who exercise independent legal reasoning. If there is a linguistic basis, for instance, if he said, "I bought a loaf of bread," when he actually bought a book, it is not said that he is at fault if there is a linguistic basis, whether from the indication of the wording or from the indications of the circumstances and conditions. In such a case, he may be excused. However, if he constantly says, "I do not accept it; I am not convinced," then he is an obstinate person.
The Shaykh : This is obstinacy. If a person did not accept an argument unless he was convinced by it, he would end up worshipping his own desires instead of worshipping Allah (Mighty and Majestic).
The questioner : He is not convinced.
The Shaykh : It does not help that he is convinced. Why is he not convinced? Is it because of the person, or because of the argument? For example, if we inform him that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said something, and he is not convinced.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : If there is a plausible reason, meaning if he interprets it based on a valid interpretation, then he is among those who exercise independent legal reasoning. If there is a linguistic basis, for instance, if he said, "I bought a loaf of bread," when he actually bought a book, it is not said that he is at fault if there is a linguistic basis, whether from the indication of the wording or from the indications of the circumstances and conditions. In such a case, he may be excused. However, if he constantly says, "I do not accept it; I am not convinced," then he is an obstinate person.