Abu Hurairah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Avoid that which I forbid you to do and do that which I command you to do to the best of your capacity. Verily the people before you were destroyed only because of their excessive questioning and their disagreement with their Prophets.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Traditions relate that during an incident Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Allah has commanded you to perform Hajj. So perform Hajj, O servants of Allah.” Then a man stood up and said: “O Prophet of Allah, do we have to do it every year?” Then the Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Whatever I forbid you to do, avoid it and whatever I command you to do, do it as much as you can.”
This incident was at the time of revelation. Asking too many questions about an obligation may lead to complications and confusions. The Messenger (ﷺ) was not happy with the question raised by the man for it could have caused the Hajj to be performed every year by each Muslim if the answer was yes to that question.
However, asking questions in the right way is encouraged. In fact, the Messenger (ﷺ) used questions and answers to educate his Companions. Questions that lead to knowledge and goodness are encouraged. What is prohibited and discouraged are questions that will lead to confusion, doubt and chaos in the community, like asking questions about unnecessary details.
One significant characteristic of Shari’ah is its flexibility and practicality. One’s capacity is regarded and considered in fulfilling obligations.