Following the Elders When It Contradicts the Qur’an and Sunna

Question

In religious matters, should importance be given only to the actions of the elders, or should the Qur'an and Sunna be regarded as the criterion of truth? For in our reading we sometimes come across actions of some of our elders which appear altogether to conflict with the way of the Sunna. On such occasions, should the elders' action be taken as a proof (hujja), or should one act according to the Qur'an and Sunna?

Answer

The original source of guidance is the Noble Qur'an. [ar]هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ[/ar] “Guidance for mankind” — such it is for the common people. [ar]هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ[/ar] “Guidance for the God-fearing” (Surah al-Baqara, 2:2, 2:185) — such it is for the elect as well.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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