Umar ibn Abdil Aziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever makes his religion a subject of debate will often change stances”

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Maʿn ibn Īsā, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: One day Malik (Imam Malik), may Allah have mercy upon him, departed from the Masjid while holding and leaning on my hand. Then man called Abu al-Juwayriyyah, who used to be accused of Irjaa caught up with him and said: “O Abu Abdillah! Lend me an ear regarding something I want to speak to you, debate and inform you of my view”. Malik said: “And if you overcome (defeat) me?” He said: “You follow me”. Mālik said, “And if I overcome you?” He said: “I follow you”. Mālik said: “And if another man comes along, speaks to both of us about the matter and overcome us?” He said: “We follow him”. Malik said to him: “O Allah’s servant! Allah sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with one religion, yet I see you moving from one position to another”.

Umar ibn Abdil Aziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever makes his religion a subject of debate will often change stances”. [end of quote] Siyar As-Salaf 1/1044 by Al-Asbahaanee, rahimahullah