What is the difference between extremism (tanattuʿ) and not submitting to the Sharia, and academic discipline and not speaking based on an opinion unfounded on sufficient instrumental sciences, and rigidity and adhering solely to the words of the Imams without exercising reason? Is it permissible for a student of knowledge in the stage of research and ijtihad to speak from their unverified thoughts and conclusions, especially since the science of "futuhāt" (spiritual openings) is sound and the science of "ladunni" (divinely inspired knowledge) was mentioned by Shaykh al-Islam? What are the rules governing the intermediate stages for a student of knowledge in these matters?

Fanaticism is extremism and overstepping the bounds of Islamic law, which is blameworthy. In contrast, adhering to the rulings of Islamic law is a praiseworthy obligation. Similarly, scholarly discipline, which prevents one from delving into matters one is not proficient in, is praiseworthy, unlike stagnation and blind imitation. One must know their academic standing to direct their efforts. People are divided into three categories concerning knowledge:

1. Scholar: He has the right, and indeed it is obligatory for him, to exercise ijtihad (independent reasoning) and extract rulings.

2. Student of Knowledge: He may take generalities and unrestricted statements, with the obligation to ask those superior to him to avoid error.

3. Layperson: It is obligatory for him to ask the people of knowledge, as Allah the Almighty says: {So ask the people of the message if you do not know.}