Answered by Shaykh Gibril F Haddad
I understand the need of following qualified scholarship however I keep coming across a trend when I read about the earlier generations. It seems that the common masses would consult the scholars if they were unaware of a ruling however I can’t see any specification involved. What I mean is that they would ask whichever scholar was available and there doesn’t seem to be any consideration given to talfiq. So where does the idea of talfiq come from. Can I not just ask whichever mufti I happen to find on an issue why the need to only ask a scholar of my madhhab when historically this is not the case.
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
Back then, just as now, the common masses are not considered to have any other madhhab than their imam and it is presumed back then just as now that a person will have more religion than to saunter from one mufti to another always asking the same question until he finally gets the answer he hankers for.
There was definitely due consideration and dire warning given against the latter scenario – inadmissible talfiq – which in the eyes of the early generations consisted in following poor methodology, perhaps motivated by deliberate evasion of strictures you don’t like in your own madhhab, so as to adopt dispensations in other madhhabs. This forms the context for the following sayings:
“Whoever pursues the rarities of hadith will lie.” (Abu Yusuf)
“Whoever holds on to the rare and unusual positions of the Scholars has left Islam.” (Al-Awza`i)
“Whoever pursues the rare and the unusual has gathered up all evil.” (Sufyan al-Thawri)
“He is not an Imam in `ilm who follows anomalous positions (al-shadhdh).” (`Abd al-Rahman ibn Mahdi)
“If you take the dispensation (rukhsa) or error (zalla) of every `alim, you will become the gathering point of every evil.” (Sulayman al-Taymi)
Allah have mercy on them and illuminate our insights through the blessing of theirs.
Hajj Gibril
Please also see the following Frequently Asked Questions on the issue of Madhabs:
What is the proof for the unlawfulness of talfiq? And what is its exact definition?
Mixing Madhhabs – Talfiq
Alhamdulillah. The four Sunni schools of Jurisprudence (fiqh) are all a means of operationalizing the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). One should follow the School that they can most easily learn and apply in their lives. Therefore, you should search for a qualified teacher in fiqh and follow the School they are able to teach you.
“Essentials of Worship” Courses in Hanafi, Shafii and Maliki school are taught by SunniPath Teachers and now available through SunniPath Academy, and is a good means of making your worship valid, sound and proper an excellent first step in learning your fiqh.
Following Another Madhhab Is Allowed
Objection to Following Another Madhab
The Path of Taqwa: Avoiding Differences of Opinion
Following Weak Positions
What is a Madhhab? Why is it necessary to follow one? Sh. Nuh Keller
Understanding the Four Madhhabs – by Shaykh Abdul-Hakim Murad
Shaykh Murabtal Haaj’s Fatwa on Following One of the Four Accepted Madhhabs – by Murabtal Haaj, Mauritan
Switching madhhabs due to not being able to find a teacher?
Should I Leave the Hanafi Madhhab: Sunnas, Beards, Trousers.
May Allah Azza wa Jall guide us all to the way most beloved to Him, ameen.
Wassalam,
Sunni Path Fiqh Team