Is this narration sound?
لا يعذب الله بمسألة اختلف فيها
Allah will not punish anyone for laws on which a [legitimate] difference of opinion exists
Answer
‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has stated that this has no basis from Hadith. However, it is the statement of some pious predecessor. He also cites a supporting statement of ‘Umar ibn Abdul ‘Aziz (rahimahullah).
Mulla ‘Ali Al Qari (rahimahullah) states that he heard one of his teachers making a similar statement.
(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1325, Al Masnu’, Hadith: 404)
It could therefore be understood, that the meaning of this narration is correct, although it should not be quoted as Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar