Must one abandon doubtful matters simply because they are doubted, or must one refer to people of knowledge? And does the doubt disappear with a scholar's fatwa, even if the matter is one of widespread affliction?

If a Muslim is unsure about a religious ruling, he is not permitted to act without consulting the people of knowledge. Sheikh Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam is of the view that whoever performs a disputed act without asking the people of knowledge is sinful for neglecting to learn. However, if the act is known to be inherently reprehensible in Islamic law, he is sinful for performing it. If an ordinary person is faced with conflicting fatwas, it is recommended for him to abstain from that which is disputed in its permissibility as a precaution for his religion. Yet, if he acts upon the fatwa of someone whose knowledge and piety he trusts, he is not sinful; for caution by abstaining from doubtful matters is recommended, not obligatory.