Q: In regard to Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) and studying the rules of Fiqh, is it preferable to study one Madh-hab (School of Jurisprudence) from the well-known Schools or not, without having the intention of becoming a follower of that Madh-hab? I hope that you will give me a detailed answer and may Allah bless you.

A: Seeking knowledge involves examining the evidence of Shari‘ah (Islamic Law) and what the Muslim scholars have compiled, as commentaries and explanations of these evidence in their books on ‘Aqidah (creed), Tafsir (explanation/exegesis of the meanings of the Qur’an), Hadith, and Fiqh (jurisprudence). It also involves studying the rules of these sciences, such as Mustalah Al-Hadith (Hadith terminology), Usul-ul-Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence) and its principles, and the principles of Fiqh without any partiality to any Madh-hab, as truth is the sought-after goal for every Muslim.A seeker of knowledge should have a trustworthy shaykh to study under, who will explain these sciences and help them to follow the right path.There is nothing wrong with studying the Fiqh of one of the four Madh-habs (Hanafy, Maliky, Shafi‘y, and Hanbaly), taking into consideration to examine the provided evidence and the validity of the conclusions drawn from them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.