Do Muslims Have to Follow a Madhhab? What are the pros and cons?

More than 90% of the Muslim world follows a particular school of islamic law. In Pakistan the domimant school is Hanafi, in Egypt is is Shaafi'ee, In Saudia Arabia, it is Hanbali, and in Senegal it is Maaliki. There are six schools of islamic legal thought that are regarded as orthodox schools of Islamic law. Four are sunni; Shaafi'ee, Hanbali, Maaliki, and Hanifi, and two are Shiite schools of law, Zaidi, and Ja'fari. Does a Muslim have to follow one of these schools of law? Should he?

Can a person fully understand fiqh [jurisprudence] if they don't follow a spcific school of fiqh [law]? can you follow more thn one at the same time? In this episode of the Muslim Review, we will discuss the pros and cons of following a particular school of islamic law, and whether or not it is an obligation or simply an option. We will talk a little about the six founders of these schools and how these shools became dominant in the Muslim world.

Has following a particular madhhab or not, helped you or hindered you in your religion? Feel free to call in with your questions or your story and be a part of the conversation. All are welcome, plenty of free parking available.