greater than that resulting from leaving it unsaid. This falls under his saying:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest level of faith.”

Narrated by Muslim.

As for the questioner’s words, “If it is held to be permissible, is it obligatory? Has anything been transmitted from him, peace be upon him, indicating that it is obligatory?” the answer is:

There is no doubt that everyone must believe, in general terms, in what the Messenger brought. Nor is there any doubt that knowing in detail what the Messenger brought is a collective obligation. This forms part of conveying that with which Allah sent His Messenger; reflecting upon the Quran, comprehending it and understanding it; knowing the Book and wisdom; preserving the Reminder; calling to the way of the Lord with wisdom and good counsel; and debating in the best manner, along with other duties Allah has imposed upon the believers. It is therefore a collective obligation upon them.

As for what is obligatory upon them individually, this varies according to their capacities, knowledge and needs, and the commands addressed to them individually. Someone unable to hear certain teachings or understand their subtleties is not required to do what someone capable of this must do. Someone who has heard and understood the scriptural texts is required to have detailed knowledge that is not required of someone who has not heard them. Likewise, someone who issues fatwas, a hadith scholar, or someone who engages in debate has obligations that others do not.

As for his question, “Is the preponderant belief reached by a scholar exercising independent judgment sufficient in this regard, or is it necessary