Are matters concerning which scholars have differed in their rulings considered among the ambiguous matters, and do they fall under the hadith: "The lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear... many people do not know them," and are people of knowledge exempted from "many people do not know them"?

Scholars differed concerning the meaning of al-mushtabihat (ambiguous matters). Some interpreted it as conflicting evidence, while others understood it as a difference of opinion among scholars. The more correct view is that it refers to matters where the evidence conflicts, or where scholars have differed, particularly for the layperson (muqallid). If a matter is ambiguous, then whoever takes precautions and avoids what is disputed is safer and more prudent. Some say one may adopt whichever opinion one wishes, while others say one should adopt the easier opinion. The preponderant view according to some scholars is to adopt the easier opinion, provided no harm results from it. In such a case, adopting the easier opinion is restricted to oneself only.