The second consists of matters in which they disagree over whether one of the two alternatives is permissible. In many such matters, the Sunnah has sanctioned both alternatives. Hajj is an example. Some have said that converting one’s Hajj into ʿumrah is impermissible; some have even said that tamattuʿ (performing ʿumrah followed by Hajj) is impermissible. Others have said that doing so is obligatory. The correct view is that either course is permissible. During the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed the Companions to convert their Hajj into ʿumrah, although he had previously given them a choice between the three forms of Hajj. The caliphs after him performed Hajj without converting it into ʿumrah, as has been explained at length in its proper place.

The same applies to fasting while travelling. Some have said that it is impermissible and that one must refrain from fasting. The correct view, held by the majority, is that both alternatives are permissible. Many of them then said that fasting is preferable, but the correct view is that not fasting is preferable unless there is an overriding benefit in fasting. No scholar has said that refraining from fasting is impermissible, as some ignorant people suppose. This has been discussed at length in several places.

The point here is that practices established in different forms in the Sunnah—such as the call to prayer, the iqāmah (final call to prayer), prayer in circumstances of fear, and the opening supplications—are to be discussed from two perspectives. The first concerns the permissibility of all these forms, without any being disliked. This is the correct view, and it is the position of Ahmad and others regarding all these matters. Some scholars, however, may regard certain forms as disliked or forbidden because they believe that those forms were not established in the Sunnah or that they were abrogated.

For example, some regarded tarjīʿ (repeating the testimonies of faith after reciting them quietly) in the call to prayer as disliked, saying: “He only said it to Abū