Which opinions should I follow if the views of the four imams differ in Islamic books, and why are their differing opinions presented if they were in agreement?

It is by Allah's grace that the Ummah has not differed concerning the fundamentals and definitive principles of the religion. However, disagreements have arisen in the subsidiary, ijtihadi (derived through independent reasoning) issues, due to profound wisdom. The Companions and the Imams who came after them differed in these matters, yet they did not intentionally violate the sacred texts. Rather, it was a result of their ijtihad, for which they are rewarded either once or twice.

The reasons for disagreement include: the evidence not reaching one of them, or it not being authentically established with him, or its not indicating the intended meaning, or its being abrogated.

This disagreement is not a fragmentation of the religion; rather, it is a manifestation of the jurists' activity and has immense benefits, including:

1. Identifying all possibilities that the evidence might encompass. 2. Developing jurisprudential aptitude and opening avenues for thought. 3. Providing multiple solutions for the jurist regarding emerging issues.

A Muslim who has insight into the evidence should follow the opinion that appears most correct and is supported by the strongest evidence, while being careful not to seek out dispensations. As for the common person, they should seek fatwa from a knowledgeable and pious scholar, without seeking out dispensations. They may imitate the most virtuous of scholars if their intellect is insufficient to weigh the evidence.