Assalaamu Alaykum, is it permissible for a muslim laymen to follow different Madhabs or scholars (who don't follow a Madhab) in different rulings? For example, Hanbali in Ghusl, Shafi'i for Wudu, Maliki for Istinja and Hanafi for prayer.I have heard different opinions regarding this. Some scholars say this is permissible and other scholars have said this is not allowed.Please don't refer me to another Fatwa as I have read many Fatwas about this ruling.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.

The principles we affirm on our website regarding this matter may be summarized in the following points:

First: It is permissible to follow one of the four madhhabs, provided that this is not done out of blind partisanship and fanaticism for the adopted school.

Second: It is permissible—rather required—to depart from one’s madhhab when clear evidence appears contrary to its position.

Third: It is not obligatory to adhere exclusively to one of the four madhhabs. It is permissible to move between them, such that a person may follow one school in a particular issue and another in a different issue, so long as this does not lead to blameworthy talfiq—namely, combining two schools within a single act of worship in such a way that each school would deem that act invalid.

Fourth: It is not permissible to move between madhhabs based on personal desire, taking the easiest opinion from each school. This is considered a blameworthy pursuit of concessions.

Fifth: A layperson should follow a scholar whom he trusts for knowledge and piety, giving preference to the most knowledgeable and most God-fearing. If they are equal, it is said that he should follow the stricter opinion; it is also said that he should follow the more lenient opinion; and it is also said—and this appears strongest—that he may choose, so long as he does not intend to pursue concessions.

Sixth: Acting upon some concessions due to need or hardship is permissible according to some scholars, so long as this does not become a regular habit or consistent practice.

Allah Knows best.