He was also asked:

“Is everyone who exercises independent reasoning correct, or is only one correct and the rest mistaken?”

He replied:

This question has been discussed at length elsewhere, together with the disagreement concerning it. It has also been explained that the word “error” may mean sin, or it may mean lack of knowledge. If the former is intended, then everyone who exercises independent reasoning and fears Allah to the best of his ability is correct, for he is obedient to Allah and is neither sinful nor blameworthy. If the latter is intended, some who exercise independent reasoning may be granted knowledge hidden from others. This may be knowledge of the reality of the matter which, had another person become aware of it, he would have been obliged to follow.

However, that obligation is waived for him because he is unable to fulfill it, and he receives a reward for his effort in reasoning. But the one who reaches the correct conclusion receives two rewards, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in the hadith whose authenticity is agreed upon:

“When a judge exercises independent judgment and is correct, he receives two rewards; when he exercises independent judgment and errs, he receives one reward.”