The Doubtful Matters
Most people don’t understand what doubtful matters are and what their ruling is. There are two things scholars have said about doubtful matters. The first opinion is that doubtful matters are those that scholars disagree about their permissibility: music, for example. The second opinion is that doubtful matters are those that mix between halal and haram. The general rule regarding doubtful matters is whoever stays away from them has purified their deen and honor.
The scholars differ on whether doubtful matters are halal or haram.
- One opinion is that all doubtful matters are haram, due the saying of the Messenger (sas) in this hadith "[he] clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor."
- Another opinion is that all doubtful matters are halal, due the statement of the Prophet (sas) "like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary.” This indicates that these actions are permissible, but leaving them is from piety.
- And a third opinion is that we make no ruling regarding the doubtful matters, and do not say that they are halal or haram, as the Prophet (sas) placed them between the clear halal and the clear haram. Hence we should refrain from passing judgment, and this, too, is from piety.
The Prophet (sas) follows the statement, “between the two of them are doubtful matters” by saying, “most people do not know them.” This means that some people do. It is the job of scholars to put forth their best effort in looking at all of the evidence and reaching their opinion. If they are correct, they receive two rewards and if they are wrong they are still rewarded. For those of us who are following opinions of the scholars, that is all that is required from us. But we should keep in mind that staying away from doubtful matters purifies our deen and honor.
40hadithnawawi.com/hadith/6-protecting-the-heart/ 
