Salam USResident,
Isn't the Quran full of stories of the past? So we learn from them and better our lives today? This is in essence what the traditionalist scholars today try to adhere to.
As for the difference of opinion, it is healthy it exists. Some scholars have ruled out moon sighting and 8 rakah or 20, we just have to work to seek the truth right. We can take their word, then search for it on our own.
You mashAllah are trying hard as apparent from your posts, you do your research, most muslims, even I sometimes dont try to understand our religion, due to the busy schedules and lives we've adapted.
Agree. Our duty is to extract the wisdom from them and utilize it today where relevant. My biggest gripe with traditionalist scholars of today, whom I do try to understand, research and definitely read opinions of and even follow where I deem appropriate, is that their outlook on life is way too simplistic and impractical from todays perspective and where the world stands today. The wisdom they preach was good when life was simple. Not that what they say is incorrect or wrong but I just find it impractical.
Differences of opinion are definitely healthy as long as they are not meant to oppose most of the time but rather compliment and achieve a common goal.
Alhamdulillah! I try what I am capable of and I believe there is a lot of room for improvement for everyone.