transgression, wrongdoing, or aggression take people in general outside the fold of faith, nor does it warrant their being cursed. How, then, could it take those who belonged to the best generations outside the faith? Anyone who transgresses, commits injustice or aggression, or perpetrates a sin falls into one of two categories: those acting on an interpretation and those who are not.

Those who exercise scholarly judgment and act on an interpretation include people of knowledge and piety who examined matters and differed over their permissibility: some considered certain things lawful, while others considered them forbidden. Thus, some deemed certain kinds of drink permissible; others, certain transactions involving usury; and others, certain contracts for marriages intended to make a woman lawful again for her former husband, or for temporary marriages, and similar matters. Such things occurred among the finest of the early generations. The most that can be said of those who exercise scholarly judgment and act on such interpretations is that they are mistaken.

Allah Most High said:

“Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make a mistake.”

It is established in the Sahīh that Allah answered this supplication. He, glorified be He, has told us that David and Solomon, peace be upon them, judged concerning the field. He singled out one of them for knowledge and judgment, while praising both for their knowledge and judgment.

Scholars are the heirs of the prophets. If one of them understands something about an issue that another does not, this is no cause for blame, nor does it detract from his recognized knowledge and piety. Yet committing the act in question with knowledge of its ruling would constitute sin and injustice, and persisting in it would constitute grave disobedience. Indeed, when its prohibition is necessarily known, declaring it lawful constitutes disbelief. Transgression belongs to this same category.