💯 Miscellaneous benefits from Yemen

BENEFIT 58: THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF DIFFERING 1⃣- Ikhtilāf Taḍhād (contradictory differing) This occurs when one opposes clear-cut evidences without a valid basis; such as disbelief, innovation, or sins. Hence, this type is something blameworthy, and one is dealt with in line with his opposition; if his opposition necessitates disbelief, he becomes a disbeliever, if it necessitates innovation, he becomes an innovater, and if it necessitates sin, he becomes an immoral sinner (fāsiq). 2⃣- Ikhtilāf Afhām (difference of understanding) Scholars vary in their understanding and application of the evidences. Also, one scholar may base his view on a ḥadīth which another scholar sees to be abrogated, weak, deficient, etc., as a result, they arrive at two contradictory verdicts. However, their differing is not based on following whims or desires, it is merely because they vary in their understanding; since Allāh created people with different levels of comprehension and understanding. However, we do not say, 'both views are correct', nor do we encourage the common folk to choose whichever opinion suits them best. But rather, everyone is instructed and encouraged to follow the view closest to the truth. Also, if the scholar/mujtahid exerts effort, but arrives at an incorrect judgment, he is not blameworthy in the sight of Allāh, because the Prophet ﷺ said: (إذا اجتهد الحاكم فأصاب فله أجران وإذا اجتهد فأخطأ فله أجر) "If a judge strives to make a judgement and he is correct in his judgment, he will recieve two rewards, and if he strives and makes a wrong judgement, he will recieve one reward. 3⃣- Ikhtilāf Tanawwu' (difference in form/variety) This is when the evidences indicate the permissibility of more than one form, so one may opt for a form and another may opt for another, while both forms are permissible; such as the various forms of supplication that one is allowed to say at the beginning of the prayer, the different ways of saying Tashahhud, the various ways of performing the night prayer, etc. See: [Iqtiḍhā Aṣ-Ṣirāt Al-Mustaqīm (1/132)]