Is it more befitting in matters of dispute to abstain—such as abstaining from communal takbir on Eid day—and is this rule absolute? And have those who hold that the absolute hadiths prohibiting isbal should be interpreted in light of the restricted ones—such as Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah—missed that they cannot be interpreted in light of the restricted ones due to the difference in action and ruling, or is this rule a matter of scholarly disagreement?

If a person is learned, he should favor what appears to him to be supported by evidence. If he is an ordinary person, he should follow someone whom he trusts. In matters of dispute, precaution is preferable. So, if scholars differ on whether something is forbidden or not, refraining from it is more cautious. If they differ on whether it is obligatory or recommended, performing it is more cautious, unless the Sunnah is clearly apparent, in which case following it is more cautious.

The issue of isbal (letting clothes hang below the ankles) is a matter of scholarly disagreement. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen holds it to be absolutely forbidden, citing the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Whatever part of the izar (lower garment) is below the ankles is in the Fire." Others consider it permissible for one who does not intend arrogance. This is a matter of ijtihad (independent reasoning), and whoever's ijtihad leads him to a particular opinion should adopt it. As for an ordinary person, he should follow someone whose knowledge and piety he trusts.