—so let their study of such questions never become a breeding-ground for hostility or rancor. Rather, it should be a search for benefit and a journey toward the truth. If, in the course of that search, they reach a consensus, all the better; if not, then each one should act upon what his own ijtihād has led him to—without enmity, hatred, boycotting, or mutual estrangement. Great scholars before them disagreed over these very issues, yet their debates never produced hatred or ill-will; each simply followed the path he believed to be right.

Therefore, let our dear sons and daughters beware of division and discord, for they shatter unity and squander effort: “Do not quarrel, lest you falter and your strength depart” (8:46), and “Hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and do not be divided” (3:103).

May Allah bless their deeds, guide their words, grant success to their endeavors, and make them guides who are themselves rightly guided. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon the noblest of messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions.

The Author