What is the position of the beginner student of knowledge regarding jurisprudential disagreement? Is it permissible for him to be cautious by avoiding prohibitions and performing obligations? Is that considered extremism or strictness? Is there a jurisprudence of caution? And why do some shaykhs suffice with mentioning the disagreement instead of guiding the repentant?

Precaution in matters of religion and avoiding scholarly disagreement is commendable, so long as it does not lead to contradicting the established Sunnah. If it does lead to such a contradiction, then the true precaution lies in abandoning that very precaution. Ibn al-Qayyim said: "Precaution is prescribed when the Sunnah is not clear. But if it becomes clear, then true precaution is to follow it and abandon whatever contradicts it." This serves as a safeguard against contradicting the Sunnah, which is weightier than safeguarding against scholarly disagreement. Therefore, whoever embarks upon a forbidden act without knowing Allah's ruling on it is sinful, even if the matter is subject to scholarly dispute. The Mufti is like a physician who applies the medicine in its proper place for the benefit of the questioner.