Is it permissible to adopt the jurisprudential dispensations (rukhṣ) in matters of dispute, such as listening to music, uncovering the face, obeying the husband in listening to tambourines (dufūf), and practicing masturbation? And is refraining from them considered extremism (tashaddud)?

The stance on matters of اختلاف (disagreement among scholars) varies depending on the person's situation. A mujtahid (one who is qualified to independently deduce Islamic legal rulings) acts upon what his ijtihad (independent reasoning) leads him to. An ammi (layperson) follows the most knowledgeable and trustworthy scholar for him, and it is not permissible for him to selectively follow dispensations (rukhas); because that is objectionable. If scholars are equally balanced in his view and he finds no basis for preferring one over the other, it has been said: he should adopt the stricter opinion out of caution. It has also been said: he may adopt any of the opinions as long as he does not intend to selectively follow dispensations. And it has been said: he should adopt the easier opinion, because Islamic law is built upon facilitation. Exiting disagreement by adopting the more cautious opinion is recommended, as long as the evidence is not clear, and as long as one does not deny the existence of disagreement or restrict what is wide. Among these issues, some involve permissible disagreement, such as a woman uncovering her face or listening to the daff (tambourine), while others involve weak disagreement, such as listening to other musical instruments.