What is the legitimate Sharia stance regarding fatwas that some consider to reach the point of anomaly, such as the fatwas of Sheikh Al-Qaradawi that permit handshaking and singing with controls, as opposed to the fatwas of Saudi scholars who believe in the consensus of the Ummah on the prohibition of musical instruments and handshaking?

Allah has made it obligatory for Muslims, when they differ, to refer the matter to Him and to His Messenger, as stated in the verse: "And in whatsoever you differ, its judgment is with Allah" and "And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger."

As for the Muslim who is capable of understanding the proofs when scholars differ, it is incumbent upon him to examine the sound proof according to the understanding of the Salaf (pious predecessors) and follow it, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "So cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs after me; cling to it with your molars."

As for the common Muslims, it is obligatory upon them, when scholars differ, to follow the most knowledgeable and the most pious among them. If a ruler makes an ijtihad (independent reasoning) and is correct, he receives two rewards; and if he makes an ijtihad and errs, he receives one reward. However, his being excused and rewarded does not mean that it is permissible to follow him in what he erred in.