What is the difference between following dispensations (tatabbu' al-rukhas) and taking the easier option (al-akhdh bi al-aysar)?

"Tattabu' al-rukhas" (following dispensations) means adopting the easiest opinions in matters of disagreement. This is blameworthy if it becomes a constant habit of the accountable person, as it leads to abandoning religious obligations. The Salaf (early pious Muslims) said: "Whoever follows every scholar's dispensation has gathered all evil."

However, taking some dispensations due to necessity or hardship, or when the ruling is unclear to the Mujtahid (independent jurist) or the layperson, and the evidence is equally balanced or the fatwas (religious rulings) differ, this is not included in the dispraised act. This is because the religion is built upon ease. The correct view is to prohibit the layperson from constantly following dispensations, as it amounts to acting upon whims.