RE: Fatawa from books

It has become the practice in the UK for Muslims to take Fatawa on matters of daily living (as opposed to Questions of aqidah and  ibadah) from books, most of which are translations of books or  individual rulings made by scholars from other places and times.  Please could you clarify the difference between a general Fatwa and a specific Fatwa (meant for the Questioner alone). Also, to what  extent to the specific environment and circumstances of the Questioner affect the ruling, and bearing all this in mind, how far is it recommended to take rulings from books?

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Walaikum assalam,

There are general principles and rulings that may be taken from books. As for specifics, one should consult living scholars of deep knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Every serious Muslim should be in contact with such scholars.

And Allah knows best.

Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani