Shaykh Sulayman al-Ruhayli: Is It Obligatory to Follow a Madhhab?

Is it obligatory upon a Muslim to ascribe to one of the four madhhabs? In this powerful clip, Shaykh Sulayman al-Ruhayli (حفظه الله) explains the ruling on adherence to the four established schools of jurisprudence. He clarifies that while a Muslim may ascribe to one of these schools, it is not obligatory. Fanaticism or blind attachment to a specific madhhab to the extent that one rejects the truth from the Qur’an, the Sahih Sunnah, and the way of the Sahabah is forbidden. A Muslim may follow the reasoned opinion of any respected scholar if it is supported by valid evidence (dalīl). The Shaykh also points out that since adherence to a madhhab was not required before the four Imams, it cannot be required afterward. If such an obligation existed, following the practices of the noble Companions (الصحابة) would take greater priority. May Allah guide us to what pleases Him and grant us the strength to follow the truth. #Islam #Tawheed #Sunnah #Aqeedah #Madhhab #SuleimanAlRuhayli #Dawah #QuranSunnah