Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., – Volume 12, Page 307, Fatwa No.19270
Question: When I come across a religious matter which I am unaware of, such as in prayer, fasting, Hajj, dealings with others, or divorce, is it sufficient for me to take the opinion of one of the Muslim scholars who is known to be knowledgeable, righteous and God-fearing, and that he is qualified to issue fataawa such as one of the Council of Senior Scholars, or one who has equivalent knowledge, and accept his response [to my question] and abide by it?
Or is it obligatory upon me to direct my question to a number of scholars from amongst them, and then select [any response] which suits me from their opinions in the event that they differ?
Response: If you are unaware of a matter from the affairs of the religion, then it is upon you to ask the people of knowledge, as Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:
{Then ask the People of Knowledge if you do not know}, [Soorah an-Nahl, Aayah 43 and Soorah al-Anbiyaa., Aayah 7].
If someone whose knowledge and taqwa you trust gives you a fatwa, then it is obligatory upon you to abide by that fatwa. And it is not permissible for a person to ask a number of scholars so as to select from their fataawa that which is easiest for him, or that which suits his desires or opinion.
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet ﷺ and his family and his companions.
