Question
You hold that positive difference of opinion in religious views is always welcomed. But out of many of the scholars somebody has to be closer to the factual teaching. We have to decide and follow that. Cannot we name one such person whose views are closest to the Qur’an? We know that the points of difference in worship rituals are great. We may consider one viewpoint correct and the rivals as incorrect. The first pronounced difference of opinion and judgment of Muslim history surfaced between Hazrat Aisha and Hazrat Ali. Though the intentions of both were right yet an historian may not agree that both were right?
Answer
We are not obliged to consider every position taken on the issues to be right. When we opt for a view and practice we actually do not consider the rival point as equally valid. We only believe that in our perception our view is correct. But we cannot guarantee that it is absolutely correct and the opposing view is necessarily wrong. In worship rituals the points of agreement are greater in number. We believe that the foundational practices of the prayer are agreed upon. If we count the agreements we will know that they are greater in number. They are foundational. The differences are small. They are less significant. Therefore, we must take a certain line but we must not claim that our view is absolutely and infallibly right. The same is the case with the other historical facts. One may believe that given the information one has who was right in a conflict. But who has all the information except for the Almighty?
Answered by: Tariq Mahmood Hashmi
Date: 2014-12-08
