How Can I Recognize the True Path Amid Conflicting Fatwas?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

How can I find the true Islamic path amid conflicting fatwas and political influences on scholars?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Summary Answer

One finds the true Islamic path through sincerity, reliance on sound scholarship, and prioritizing the consensus of qualified, upright scholars who are known for their piety and detachment from worldly influence. Avoid haste in judgment and seek refuge in Allah (Most High), who guides those who sincerely seek Him.

The Divine Assurance of Guidance

Allah (Most High) says:

“As for those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers.” [Quran, 29:69]

This verse affirms that sincere striving for Allah results in divine guidance. Even in an age of noise and confusion, the one who approaches with ikhlas (sincerity) and talab al-haqq (seeking the truth) will be guided, insha’Allah.

Principles for Navigating Conflicting Fatwas

Seek Sound Scholarship

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets.” [Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, Ibn Maja, Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and others]

(Ibn al-Mulaqqin, Zayla‘i, Ibn Hajar, and others deemed it sound (hasan) or rigorously authentic (sahih))

True scholars do not merely transmit legal rulings—they embody prophetic concern, ethical clarity, and spiritual balance. Seek scholars who demonstrate consistency in scholarship, humility in tone, and clarity of methodology.

Verify Scholarly Integrity

A fatwa should not be taken merely at face value. Our teachers often advise that one ask:

• Is the scholar rooted in a recognized tradition?
• Does the scholar manifest taqwa (God-consciousness)?
• Is the scholar free from clear bias?

When conflicting fatwas arise, favor those opinions rooted in fiqh methodology, supported by the majority of qualified scholars (specifically within the four Schools), and untainted by partisan agendas.

Use Caution, Not Confusion

Confusion is often the result of a lack of proper understanding of the maqasid (objectives) of Sacred Law. When two scholars disagree, and you are unsure, it is safest to:

• Suspend judgment until clarity arises.
• Follow the view that is more precautionary or widely accepted.
• Consult trusted local scholars or institutions like SeekersGuidance.

Reconnecting to the Source

The Quran and the Sunna remain the ultimate guides. Our scholars merely explain these in ways suited to changing times. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“I am leaving among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunna.” [Malik, Muwatta’]

When doubt clouds your path, return to the light of Revelation and the guidance of those who live by it.

Critical Guidance

In times of confusion, we must slow down, return to sincerity, and seek clarity from those whose hearts are attached to Allah (Most High) and whose concern is the Umma’s well-being, not their own position. Political winds shift, but the firm ground of the Sacred Law remains. Ground yourself in learning, find teachers who uplift your soul and intellect, and make abundant dua for clarity. Allah (Most High) never abandons the one who seeks Him with humility.

May Allah guide us all to truth, sincerity, and steadfastness. Amin.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.