Is it permissible to denounce with the heart in matters of ijtihad, such as uncovering the face? Is it a condition for denunciation that the one being denounced understands that his action is wrong from a religious perspective? Is it incorrect for a recipient of a fatwa that prohibits something to denounce it without knowing that the issue is a matter of ijtihad? Is the recipient obligated to research whether the issue is a matter of ijtihad or not before denouncing it? Does the saying "there is no denunciation in matters of ijtihad" mean that denunciation is invalid or not obligatory?
Matters of ijtihad are not to be made strict upon the one who practices it, nor are they to be decisively prohibited. Those who differ in them may discuss and each present their argument, knowing that the one who differs is excused. It is not to be believed that what is differed upon is an unequivocally condemned evil. Condemnation is only for unlawful acts that are unanimously agreed upon regarding their prohibition. It is not permissible to condemn merely based on a fatwa of a scholar, but rather by presenting the argument and evidence, as Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah stated.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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