Yes. Definitely. That’s just my opinion as a revert and I’ve received a lot of criticism for holding that position. Hear me out. This has been really helpful in my journey and so it might help you out also. It gets a bit technical but it’s worth it.

What Are Madhhabs and Why Do They Matter?

Madhhabs are schools of Islamic legal thought, each named after its founding scholar. The four main Sunni schools are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. These schools aren't sects or different versions of Islam; rather, they're methodologies for deriving Islamic rulings from the Quran and Sunnah.

That sounds super technical and you definitely do not need to care about that to be a good Muslim.

The Purpose and Benefits of Madhhabs

While it's possible to not strictly follow a single madhhab, this approach requires deep knowledge and can be challenging. As humans, we are prone to being in a conflict of interest and not looking at rulings with truly a sincere heart, choosing what is easiest, not necessarily better.

1. Coherent Framework: Following a madhhab provides a consistent approach to Islamic practice.

2. There is room for interpretation, and following a school makes it so that everything fits better.

3. Depth of Knowledge: Madhhabs represent centuries of scholarly work, offering deep insights into Islamic law. Diversity in opinion is part of Islam and it’s part of its beauty. But this can make it hard to have consistency.

4. Practical Guidance: They provide ready answers to many day-to-day questions about Islamic practice.

5. Support in Finding Good Resources: Adhering to a recognized school can help you avoid unreliable or contradictory information online. If you search “is it halal to”… you’re more likely to find a generic answer that’s a bit incomplete, than if you add your preferred school of thought, which will lead you to a detail analysis.

My Personal Journey with Madhhabs

I chose the Hanafi school, even though it's not common in my area. This choice has deepened my connection with Islam. The Hanafi method, which emphasizes reasoning, resonates with me.

How to Approach Choosing a Madhhab

1. Learn the Basics: Understand what madhhabs are and their historical context.

2. Explore Different Schools: Look into the methodologies and prominent scholars of each school.

3. Consider Your Local Community: It can be beneficial to follow the predominant madhhab in your area for ease of learning and community integration.

4. Connect with the Methodology: Some, like myself, might be drawn to a particular school's approach to deriving rulings.

5. Seek Guidance: Consult knowledgeable Muslims or scholars who can provide insights.

The Flexibility Within Choosing

While following a madhhab can provide structure and consistency, it's important to note that it's not about rigid adherence. I don't follow 100% Hanafi rulings, but choosing one gives me a good direction and reduces the risk of inconsistency.

Challenges You Might Face

1. Pressure to Choose: Some reverts feel pressured to immediately pick a school. Remember, it's okay to take your time and learn.

2. Conflicting Information: You might encounter different opinions on the same issue. This is normal and reflects the richness of Islamic scholarship.

3. Feeling Isolated: If you follow a school that's not common in your area, you might face some challenges. For instance, prayer times might differ slightly.

4. Lack of Knowledge: While you are stating facts about religious diversity, some people might not be aware and take it as a threat. If someone gets up in your face, take a breath, pray that they be guided, and walk away calmly.

Conclusion

Understanding and potentially choosing a madhhab can enrich your Islamic journey, providing structure and depth to your practice. However, remember that the most important aspect is sincerity in your faith and continuous learning.

Whether you choose to follow a specific madhhab or not, the goal is to draw closer to Allah and practice Islam to the best of your ability. As you continue your journey, may Allah guide you to what is best for your faith and practice.