Is it permissible for a Muslim to choose the easiest scholarly opinion?

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As-Salaamu-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
When there is an issue of ikhtilaaf or a difference of an opinion on a matter,I hear alot of people say things like,well, it's a difference of opinion so I am going to do what is easiest for me to do. Is this the correct understanding to get, if not how should one go about choosing an opinion to follow?
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Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

It is not right for a Muslim to choose the easiest opinion, because in this way he will get out of the obligations of sharee’ah, or most of them, because in most matters – apart from the basic principles of Islam – there are differences of opinion. In the past, they used to say that the one who follows the rukhsah (dispensation, easy option) has become a heretic. It is obligatory to choose the scholarly opinion which is most correct according to the daleel (evidence), if one is qualified to examine and weigh up the matter. If a person is not qualified, then he has to follow the scholar who he thinks is most trustworthy in terms of knowledge, commitment to Islam and taqwa.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

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