I'm a 20 year-old Pakistani girl of a Muslim family. I just recently realised that I am not a true Muslim and I want to be. The problem arises when I ask questions about my religion and how to be on the right path I get different answers. I'm just so confused. I don't know whom to consult and how to clear my doubts. I went through your website and think you can help me. I shall be truly grateful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Beliefs and rulings in Shariah are of two kinds:

1)The matters on which there is a consensus of all scholars like the six pillars of belief  (Iman), Paradise, Hell, Resurrection, the obligation of the 5 pillars, the fasting of Ramadan, the Zakah, the Hajj and other fundamentals of Shariah.

2)The matters on which there is a disagreement among the scholars of Islam such as whether the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) saw his Lord when he ascended to Heaven, or whether the wrongdoers are punished in their graves physically or just their souls.  Or, whether the prayer of the two feasts is an obligation or just a Sunnah, or whether the woman should pay Zakah on her jewels, etc. There are different opinions over many such matters.

On the other hand, people who give opinions are of two kinds as far as the things on which there is a disagreement of scholars:

First, a trustworthy scholar who knows how to deduce rules from texts and previous scholar’s sayings.  Such a scholar chooses what is a most supported by authentic evidence.

Second, a person who is not a scholar.  This one should ask a most authentic scholar and acts according to what he suggests.  Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {…. so ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.}[21:7].   He/she does not have to ask more than one scholar about any controversial issue.  This is so, because if the matter inquired about is controversial, he/she will get different answers hence will be confused and doubtful.  

Finally, we remind the dear questioner that the disagreement among scholars is a blessing from Allah and that these scholars are rewarded for their rulings. 

Allah knows best.