[Avgustslim]

Asalamu Alaikum Warahmatulahi Wabarakatuh,
If one finds that the scholars he/she respects the knowledge and character of most are of a certain madhab that one does not follow, is this a good reason to want to follow that madhab of those that ones respects most and change? I certainly hope that made sense. While I'd welcome any feedback, if any scholars on the site could answer, I'd appreciate it immensely.

[WGRocky]

Asalamu Alaikum Warahmatulahi Wabarakatuh,
If one finds that the scholars he/she respects the knowledge and character of most are of a certain madhab that one does not follow, is this a good reason to want to follow that madhab of those that ones respects most and change? I certainly hope that made sense. While I'd welcome any feedback, if any scholars on the site could answer, I'd appreciate it immensely.

What about the availability of resources and access to scholars easily reachable for your quesions: is the situation of these two madhhab the same on this regard?

[Avgustslim]

Asalamu Alaikum,
Yes and no. There are very few scholars here and those that are here have a very, for lack of a better term, lax way of looking at things. No one here believes in the following of one madhab. In fact, the imam here says "we follow them all" when asked about what one madhab's position is on a subject. So really I have nothing but books to rely on either way. It's just that I've found lately that most, if not all of the scholars I admire most both knowledge-wise and character wise are of a certain madhab and my want to emulate their character leads me to believe that their rigidity in matters of din is based on their following and understanding of this particular madhab. By the way, in case you're wondering why I'm not mentioning madhab names, it's simply to avoid conflict amongst people here. I don't want to be the cause of a "my madhab is better than your madhab" argument here. In any case, I do hope I'm making sense and that my intent in asking this question is clear.

[WGRocky]

Asalamu Alaikum,
Yes and no. There are very few scholars here and those that are here have a very, for lack of a better term, lax way of looking at things. No one here believes in the following of one madhab. In fact, the imam here says "we follow them all" when asked about what one madhab's position is on a subject. So really I have nothing but books to rely on either way.

I know what you mean, it's the same for me.
But also books-wise, do you have around the same access to resources for both the madhhab?
Resources for asking fatawa (even from internet), etc.. This is one main point to consider.

By the way, in case you're wondering why I'm not mentioning madhab names, it's simply to avoid conflict amongst people here. I don't want to be the cause of a "my madhab is better than your madhab" argument here. In any case, I do hope I'm making sense and that my intent in asking this question is clear.

You're absolutely right in this, please avoid mentioning that even if people ask about it, so insha'Allah the replies you will hopefully receive won't be biased..

(Even if we all know you're talking about Hanafi or Hanbali school.. OK I'M JOKING, SORRY, IGNORE THIS PART, PLEASE! :-D)