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Is it permissible for a Muslim to adopt the view of Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah if it differs from the view of the majority of scholars on some jurisprudential issues?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If scholars differ, a Muslim who is well-versed in the evidence should follow the opinion that is most evidently correct and best supported by proof, without partisanship towards imams or preferring their statements over the texts of the Sharia. As for the common person, they must seek fatwas from people of knowledge and piety, without being lenient. What is to be followed is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, wherever it is found. Al-Shafi'i said: "People have unanimously agreed that whoever has the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah made clear to him, it is not permissible for him to abandon it for the saying of anyone." As for Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, like other scholars, his statements can be taken or left, and it is permissible for the common person to adopt his opinion if they are confident in his knowledge and piety.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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