Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Can I change from a hanafi to a shafi and would it be a good idea in Britain?
Answer:
Walaikum assalam,
Madhhabs are a means to an end, which is to worship Allah and obey Him in a sound, proper and pleasing manner.
As such, what madhhab one follows should be determined by which madhhab one can:
1. Learn soundly (through book and, ideally, scholars);
2. Get one’s questions answered most easily;
3. Feels an intellectual or heart-felt inclination towards.
Secondary considerations (though far less important than the above) are one’s cultural background, one’s environment, and the like.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.