What should we do if Hadith scholars differ on authenticating or weakening a Hadith related to acts of worship?

There is no difference between the scholars' disagreement regarding the authentication and weakening of a hadith (definition), and their disagreement in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence); both are subject to ijtihad (definition) (independent reasoning). The reasons for this disagreement concerning hadith are numerous, including: their differing opinions on authenticating or weakening narrators, whether the hadith narrator heard directly from his shaykh, or the state of the narrator—whether he was consistent or inconsistent. As for the Muslim's stance on this disagreement, if he is qualified, he should prefer what he deems correct. Otherwise, he must resort to taqlid (definition) (following a qualified scholar) and follow whoever he considers closer to the truth in knowledge and piety. He is obligated to act upon what he finds to be authentically established from the hadith or to abandon it if it is weak.