By Mufti Mahmood Hasan Sahib Gangohi (rahmatullah alayh)

The question often arises, why is it necessary to follow one Imam only? What is wrong if one masala is taken from one Imam and another from another Imam, as was done in the times of [he Sahaaba (radhiallahu Anhum) and Tabe'ien (radhiallahu Anhum)?

In those times the whole Madhab was not confined to one person The answer is that in those times good was prevalent. Generally, the lowly desires did not have any influence in matters of Deen. Whoever used to refer to any of his elders regarding any masala, used to do so sincerely and he also used to act upon the verdict given to him whether it be lo his benefit and desires or not. Later, sincerely to that degree and piety did not remain amongst the people. The urge was present in people to ask one Aalim a masala; if it did not suit them, they referred that masala to another Aalim until they found a verdict that suited their desires.

Gradually, for every masala they had the urge to look for a suitable reply. It is obvious that such people were not seeking the truth. Sometimes the consequence of this is very serious, e.g. A person in the state of wudhu touches his wife. A person following the Shafie Madhab tells him that his wudhu is broken. He replies: "No I am a Muqallid of Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullah alay). According to him this does not cause the wudhu lo break. I can read salaat with this wudhu."

Then this person vomits a mouth-full. A person following the Hanafi Madhab advises him to make wudhu as his wudhu has broken according to Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullah alay). This person replies that he is making taqleed of Imam Shafie (Rahmatullah alayh) (in this masala) and according to Imam Shafie (rahmatullah alayh) vomiting does not cause the wudhu to break. A person can read namaaz with such a wudhu. If this person reads this namaaz with this wudhu then his salaat will not be valid according to Imam Shafie (rahmatullah alayh) and nor according to Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah alayh). This is called Talfeeq and there is ijma and consensus of opinion that Talfeeq is baatil and impermissible. In reality by doing this a person does not make taqleed of either Imam Shafie (rahmatullah alayh) or Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah alayh) but he is following his desires, and Shariat has prohibited us from following our desires. It results in going astray from the path of Allah Ta'ala.

Allah Ta'ala says in Surah Hud, Ayat 26:

"And do not follow your desires (in future too) for it will lead you astray from the path of Allah."

Therefore it is necessary to make taqleed of one Imaam only. It is for this reason that the Quraan e Kareem has connected adherence with turning towards Allah (repentantly). Allah Ta'ala says:

"And follow the way of that person who turns towards me."

Generally, someone feels according to his strong presumption mat Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah alayh) is most probably correct and munib (has the quality of inaabat) that is his ijtihaad conforms more with the Quraan and Hadilh.That is why he has opted to make taqleed of Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah alayh). Another person has this strong feeling that Imam Malik (rahmatullah alayh's} ijtihaad conforms more with the Quraan and Hadith, therefore he makes taqleed of Imam Malik (rahmatullah alayh). Someone has this feeling regarding Imam Shafie (rahmatullah alayh's) ijtihaad; that's why he makes Imam Shafi's (rahmatullah alayh) taqleed and someone for this very reason makes taqleed of Imam Ahmed bin Hambal {rahmatullah alayh).

TALFEEQ AND CHANGING MAZHABS IS NOT PERMISSIBLE.
It is not permissible for one to cease making taqleed of one Imam and follow a not her Imam when one wishes. When this is done without permission from the Shariat it leads to Talfeeq; it also causes one to follow one's desires resulting in going far away from the truth and being led astray.