Question

Is there a narration from one of the salaf that goes like this, that if you see someone follow a different opinion or imam then do not stop him. Is this how we approach difference of opinion?

Answer

Imam Sufyan Thawri (rahimahullah) said:

“When you see a man practicing on something different to what you approve, and there does exist [legitimate] difference of opinion on that matter, then do not stop him.”

(Al-Faqih wal Mutafaqqih, vol. 2, pg. 69, as quoted in Adabul Ikhtilaf of Shaykh ‘Awwamah, pg. 89).

This statement from a senior Imam in Hadith and Fiqh goes a long way in setting the record straight on such matters. Unfortunately many contemporaries are unaware of this.

Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said:

“Nobody has the right to force others to follow him [in matters of difference of opinion].”

(See: Adabul Ikhtilaf, pg. 132)

My Esteemed Teacher; Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizhahullah) has written a book dedicated to the topic of “Tolerance in difference of opinion” entitled: Adabul Ikhtilafi fi Masailil ‘ilmi wad Din.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar