from among these imams?

The answer is the second. Whoever knows the evidence must therefore follow it, even if this means disagreeing with any of the imams, provided that it does not conflict with the consensus of the Muslim community. Whoever believes that anyone other than the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—must invariably be followed in both action and abstention, under every circumstance and at all times, has ascribed the distinctive qualities of messengership to someone other than the Messenger. No one’s statements can hold such a status except those of the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him. Everyone else may have some of his statements accepted and others rejected.

Yet the matter still requires consideration, for we remain caught in the quandary of who is qualified to derive rulings from the evidence. This is a problem, because everyone has begun to say, “I am qualified for it.” In truth, this is not good. Admittedly, in terms of the objective and the underlying principle, it is good for a person’s guide to be the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger. But to open the door to everyone who knows how to speak