Which Opinion Should a Layman Follow?

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Question
Salam Imam, when presented with many opinions, what opinion should we follow? Is it necessary to choose and stick to a madhhab? What if a person wants to take the easiest ruling from each issue? And how should we, as laymen, decide? JazakAllahu khayran.

Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.

1) Obligation of the Layman

Allah says: “Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (al-Nahl 16:43).

  • A layman (non-scholar) does not have the tools to weigh evidences. His obligation is to consult reliable scholars and follow their guidance.
  • This is called taqlid (following scholarship), and it is accepted by consensus.

2) Is it Necessary to Stick to One Madhhab?

  • The four madhhabs are all valid paths within Ahl al-Sunnah.
  • Many scholars encouraged sticking to one madhhab for consistency, especially in worship.
  • However, the majority did not obligate a layman to bind himself permanently to a single madhhab. What is required is following sound scholarly guidance.

3) Taking the “Easiest Rulings”

  • Deliberately seeking out the easiest ruling in every matter (tatabbuʿ al-rukhas) is condemned. Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr said: “Whoever takes dispensations from every scholar will become corrupt.”
  • Imam al-Nawawi (Shafi‘i) stated: “If a person follows concessions without necessity, he is sinful. But if he sometimes follows a ruling of another madhhab due to a need, without chasing ease, then there is no harm.” (al-Majmuʿ, 1/55).
  • Ibn Qudama (Hanbali) wrote: “The layman has no madhhab. His madhhab is the madhhab of his mufti (the scholar he asks).” (al-Mughni, 13/137). This shows the emphasis on reliance on scholars rather than self-picking.
  • From the Hanafi school, scholars like al-Kasani in Bada’iʿ al-Sana’iʿ cautioned against talfiq (mixing rulings) in a way that nullifies obligations, but allowed taking another madhhab’s position in cases of necessity or genuine hardship.

Final Ruling

A layman must follow qualified scholars, not his own preferences. Sticking to one madhhab is recommended for consistency, but not strictly required. Taking the easiest ruling from every school deliberately is impermissible, but taking a sound ruling from another madhhab in cases of need is permitted. This is supported by scholars across the madhhabs.

And Allah knows best.