When can I follow another madhhab? The way of fatwa and the way of taqwa
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Question
In a previous answer you have mentioned that great scholars of the Hanafi madhab such as al-Tahtawi and ibn Abideen (Allah have mercy on them) permitted the following of other school when there is hardship or need. My crucial question is what is the definition of hardship/ need? Some of my friends argue that the threshold is extremely high and akin to when one may eat pork if about to die. Others provide a more subjective approach and say mere difficulty or lack of concentration should one pray at a service station etc. is sufficient. What is the definition of hardship/ need in relation to seeking dispensationAnswer
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
See attached answer(s).
The position of Tahtawi and Ibn Abidin is not what you mentioned. Rather, it is absolutely permitted to follow another madhhab as long as the conditions (i.e. being sure of fulfilling all the conditions and integrals of that school) are soundly realized. It is only blameworthy to do this when made a systematic habit. This is the position followed to this day by the Syrian Hanafis, such as Shaykh Hassaan al-Hindi of Damascus.
The scholars of the Subcontinent differ on this point. They have a good point, but if the condition of following another school are met (which is often more rare than people think), then there is nothing wrong with it.
See attached answer(s).
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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