and His Messenger, regardless of which school that scholar follows. No Muslim is obliged to follow any particular scholar in everything he says. Nor is any Muslim obliged to adhere to the teachings of any particular person other than the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in everything he prescribes and reports. Rather, anyone’s statements may be accepted or rejected, except those of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

Following a particular person’s school because one is unable to learn the revealed law except through him is permissible for that individual; it is not obligatory upon everyone if they can learn the revealed law by another means. Rather, everyone must fear Allah as much as he is able and seek knowledge of what Allah and His Messenger have commanded (1), so that he may do what is commanded and refrain from what is forbidden. And Allah knows best.