And the correct conclusion is that whoever opposes a consensus known with certainty becomes a disbeliever, just as whoever opposes a revealed text becomes a disbeliever by abandoning it. However, this occurs only in matters in which a revealed text is known to be established. As for knowing with certainty that consensus exists on a matter for which there is no revealed text, this does not occur. Where consensus is not known with certainty, one cannot declare someone a disbeliever for opposing it. Thus, consensus and the revealed text constitute two proofs, like the Quran and the Sunnah.

Scholars have also differed over whether consensus constitutes conclusive or presumptive evidence. The correct conclusion is that consensus established with certainty is conclusive, while consensus established presumptively is presumptive. And Allah knows best.

A verse similar to this one has been mentioned in Surah al-Mā’idah. In Surah al-Zukhruf, He says:

“Even if I bring you better guidance than what you found your forefathers following?”

This applies to anyone to whom it has been made clear that another position offers better guidance than the position with which he was raised: he must follow it. As He says:

“Follow the best of what has been sent down to you from your Lord.”

And He says:

“Hold firmly to them, and command your people to follow the best of them.”

And He says:

“Those who listen to what is said and follow the best of it.”

In matters of belief, one must follow the better of two positions. No one may hold a position while believing that the opposing position is better. When someone is given a choice between two actions, one of which is better, that action remains preferable. Even if he is permitted to perform the less preferable action, he must believe the other to be better and hold it dearer than the lesser one. This is following what is best.