Can I Follow the Maliki School in My Worship and the Shafi’i School in Transactions?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum,

I’m currenlty relearning my religion. Especially regarding following the madhab. Currently, I’m leaning toward the Maliki fiqh for my Ibadah. But, in the place where I live, Shafi’i is considered the most commonly followed madhab.

So, is it permissible to practice Maliki fiqh in private, but practice the Shafi’i in public?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

In deciding on a school of fiqh, it is sensible to look at your current situation and cultural background. Choose on the basis of being able to soundly learn the school, and also its applicability and consequence to you and your social circle.

It is also from greater taqwa to stick to a single school in all or most of one’s life matters. It is difficult enough to soundly learn one, let alone doing one thing in private and another in public– which can be a recipe for confusion when you need to make a snap decision.

Please see: A Reader on Following Schools of Thought (Madhabs)

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani