I have completed my studies at a Darul Uloom.

Answer

There are two kinds of differences between Ulama:

(1) Valid difference which is based on Shar'i dalaa-il, e.g. the difference of opinion regarding the Meeqaat for those proceeding to Makkah from South Africa. Whilst the one view is that at the latest, ihraam should be donned, when the plane passes over Yalumlum, we are of the view that it is permissible to delay ihraam until Jeddah, and this is also the view of Mufti Shafi (rahmatullah alayh) and most of our Fuqaha. Another valid difference is the Qiblah direction in North America. Some say that it is north-east and others are of the view that it is south-east. There are many differences based on valid Shar'i arguments.

(2) Invalid and haraam difference which we term copro-difference. In this type of difference, one party has absolutely no Shar'i daleel for their view. They base their difference on nafsaaniyat, and the only thing they do is to bray like asses saying things such as: So and so Mufti did not condemn it or so and so buzrug also did it, etc. So and so Aalim drinks coke and eats crabs, etc. They ignore the explicit Nusoos of the Shariah, and for nafsaani gratification they cling to the errors of seniors. Examples are the halaalization of carrion, riba, pictures, television and the like.

If an Aalim lacks dalaa-il and basis his difference on nafsaaniyat, then obviously you may not accept his view nor support him in any way in the promotion of his baatil. But the manner of reaction will depend on the personal attitude and disposition of a person.

Allah Ta'ala has created people with different dispositions. Everyone cannot be expected to have the same methodology. Whilst everyone is not expected to react in the way The Majlis does, everyone is expected to state the Haqq. State the Haqq politely and steer away from argument and controversy if you are unable to take the flak. State the Haqq softly, but with clarity that outshines the rays of the sun., and if you are unable to proclaim it with vigour, then when someone wants to debate, say: 'Brother, I don't know. This is what I believe is the haqq. Revert to other Ulama for dalaail. Don't speak with two tongues. Don't sell Allah's Deen down the drain as these TV devils, Cross-Worshipping Reverends, Shaitaani radios, carrion-halaalizing molvis and riba-halaalizing shaitaani 'shariah' boards perpetrate in emulation of the ulama-e-soo' of Bani Israaeel.

It is never permissible to support a baatil difference of opinion in any way. In fact, it is necessary to apprize the Ahl -e-Baatil of their butlaan without the need to dispute. If the difference pertains to the first class mentioned above, and if you are unable to establish the correct view on the basis of your own ability and research, then follow the view in which there is ihtiyaat (precaution), and if circumstances compel, then the other view may also be adopted. And Allah knows best.