Are all of the juristic opinions of scholars things that the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, actually did? And is it permissible for a Muslim to combine contradictory actions narrated from the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, such as raising the hands and not raising them in prayer, on the grounds that the Prophet did both and there is no abrogating or abrogated text, instead of giving preference to one opinion over another?

The differences among the sayings of the people of knowledge are of two types:

1. Diversity-based disagreement (Ikhtilaf al-Tanawwu'): In this type, all sayings are correct and non-contradictory, such as the variations in Quranic recitations and the description of the call to prayer (Adhan). Every saying is a legitimate truth. 2. Contradictory disagreement (Ikhtilaf al-Tadadd): It is impossible to reconcile its sayings, and each saying opposes the other. Of this type, some are permissible and considered (a difference in understanding that does not contradict a text or a consensus), and some are not permissible or considered (it relies on whims and opinions or weak evidence).

Dealing with disagreements: In diversity-based disagreement: It is permissible to adopt any of the sayings and act upon it sometimes, and upon another sometimes. In contradictory disagreement: The ruling differs according to the condition of the mukallaf (accountable person). For some, a type of preferring one opinion is necessary, and for others, it is necessary to follow what they consider most reliable. In diversity-based disagreement, all those who differ are correct, and blame is upon anyone who transgresses against another.