Seeking a Fatwa Wherever a More Convenient Answer Is Expected

Question

There are certain matters on which the Hanafi scholars — for instance, the ulama of Deoband, Saharanpur, and Delhi — differ: in the view of some it is permissible, in the view of others it is unlawful. In such a case, may one seek a fatwa (istifta) from wherever one finds it more convenient, or not — given that all of them are trustworthy and religious, that is, does this not amount to following one’s base desire?

Answer

If trust in all these institutions is equal, then choosing [where to seek a fatwa] merely for convenience — [reasoning]: “On such-and-such a matter, convenience will be found here, and on such-and-such a matter, convenience will be found there” — if this is not complete following of base desire, it is certainly close to following base desire.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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