Is it not permissible for us to act upon a general text unless it is established that the Salaf acted upon it?

The questioner : Shaykh, is it not permissible for us to act upon the generality of every general text that appears in the hadiths or verses unless it is established that the Salaf acted upon this generality?

The Shaykh : The principle regarding a general text is that it is acted upon, unless evidence arises, either through a specific text from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) or by the fact that the practice was not carried out in part of the general text, in which case it is specified.