Why are great scholars like Al-Nawawi, Al-Bayhaqi, and Ibn Hajar considered among Ahl al-Sunnah despite their allegorical interpretation of some attributes? And is Al-Ghazali considered among them despite his disagreements on other issues? How should we deal with contemporary scholars who fall into doctrinal errors, such as Al-Sha'rawi and Muhammad Al-Ghazali? What is the criterion for distinguishing between those who err among them and the people of innovation? Is it permissible to acquire knowledge from them despite their disagreements? Is it wise to stir up disagreements with the Ash'aris and others in light of the weakness of the Ummah, or should the focus be on societal reform? What is the ruling on one who says that seeking help from other than Allah is not shirk?

Whoever among the scholars opposed the Salaf, such as Al-Bayhaqi, Al-Ghazali, Al-Nawawi, and Ibn Hajar, did so due to ijtihad (independent reasoning) or taqlid (following a qualified scholar), and their intention was to seek the truth. May Allah forgive their errors, for they are among the people of knowledge and religion who have commendable endeavors, and may Allah accept their good deeds. The Ash'aris are considered from Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jama'ah (People of the Sunnah and the Community) compared to other sects like the Mu'tazilah and the Rafidah, and they are the closest of the theological (Kalam) groups to the Sunnah. Contemporary scholars like Al-Sha'rawi and Al-Ghazali, their virtue and knowledge are acknowledged, and their errors are clarified with knowledge and fairness, and benefit is derived from what they got right. However, for someone whose errors are numerous, one should not read their works except if they are deeply knowledgeable. Supplicating to the dead and seeking their help is major shirk (polytheism), and a Muslim is not declared a disbeliever إلا after the establishment of proof. There is no proof in the verse: ﴿So provide for them from it﴾ for the permissibility of seeking help from the dead. The intention here is a gift, and the attribution of provision here to the creation is within what they are capable of, and it is not permissible to ask the dead.