Question
Is it true that if one performs acts of worship such as salah, wudhu and so on, and he only performs the faraaidh acts he is sinful i.e. if he leaves out the sunnahs and wajibs?
On a similar issue, please can you tell me briefly, that is there anything wrong with choosing the most ‘convenient’ fatwa when deciding between different ones, as long they are not made up or fabricated and from respected scholars and from the shariah? For example if a person is following one opinion on a certain ruling and then finds another which will better suit his life or circumstances, as long as he truly feels it is a reliable fatwa.
May Allah reward you,
Wassalam
Answer
One is only sinful for intentionally and consciously missing out on obligatory acts of worship. Sunnah and all other supererogatory forms of worship are greatly rewarded, but missing these does not make one accountable.
One should follow the opinion (fatwa), that he considers to be correct. If, however, one considers two opinions to be equally correct, then it would be preferable to opt for the opinion that seems more convenient to follow.
Moiz Amjad
March 22, 2006