What should I do if I find a shaykh who meets all the conditions, but sometimes he disagrees with the shaykhs of Saudi Arabia? Should I consider him good or not?
The default assumption regarding students of knowledge is their uprightness, unless something surfaces that compromises it. It is not appropriate to delve into what is hidden. And whoever comes across something [negative] should conceal it, unless there is a legitimate religious benefit in disclosing it, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "This knowledge will be carried by the trustworthy ones from every generation." The distinguishing feature of devout scholars is their acting upon what they know, teaching people, and inviting them to it. Whoever falls short in this will lose, as per the Almighty's saying: "By the Aṣr (time). Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." Therefore, whoever wishes to benefit from scholars should choose the most knowledgeable among them and those most committed to acting [upon their knowledge] and spreading good.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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