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The_Savior_from_Spiritual_Error_and_50_Principles, page : 81
own”. We reply: “A man is commanded to follow his own opinion; just as in the
case of the qiblah, the man exercising independent judgment follows his own
opinion even if others differ from him”.
Again it may be said: “The man who accepts authority in all legal matters
(muqallid) follows either Abu Hanifah or al-Shafi‟, may Allah have mercy on
them or someone else and so you admit the principle of „authoritative
instruction‟”. I reply: “What does such a man do in the question of the qiblah
where there is doubt and the independently judging authorities differ?” My
opponent will say: “The man must use his own judgment to decide which is
the soundest authority and the most learned in the proofs of the qiblah, and
then he follows his own decision”. Exactly the same happens in deciding
between religious systems and so the principle of “authoritative instruction” is
inadequate.
Prophets and religious leaders of necessity made mankind have recourse
to independent judgment, even though they knew they might fall into error.
Indeed the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him said, “I judge by
case of the qiblah, the man exercising independent judgment follows his own
opinion even if others differ from him”.
Again it may be said: “The man who accepts authority in all legal matters
(muqallid) follows either Abu Hanifah or al-Shafi‟, may Allah have mercy on
them or someone else and so you admit the principle of „authoritative
instruction‟”. I reply: “What does such a man do in the question of the qiblah
where there is doubt and the independently judging authorities differ?” My
opponent will say: “The man must use his own judgment to decide which is
the soundest authority and the most learned in the proofs of the qiblah, and
then he follows his own decision”. Exactly the same happens in deciding
between religious systems and so the principle of “authoritative instruction” is
inadequate.
Prophets and religious leaders of necessity made mankind have recourse
to independent judgment, even though they knew they might fall into error.
Indeed the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him said, “I judge by