Is it permissible to follow one of the four Imams specifically?

The questioner : I say: There are four Imams among the people of the Sunnah and the community: Abu Hanifa, Malik, and al-Shafi'i. These are the Imams of the people of the Sunnah. Is it obligatory to follow one of the Imams exactly? And is there any evidence for that?

The Shaykh : It is not obligatory to follow any of the creation except Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). As for other people, it is not obligatory to follow them. However, some scholars said: The statement of a Companion is a proof and is followed under two conditions: that it does not contradict a scriptural text, and that no other Companion contradicts it. If it contradicts a scriptural text, it is known that the text is more deserving of being followed. If one Companion contradicts it, the stronger opinion of the two Companions is adopted. As for others, it is not obligatory. I mean, it is not obligatory for me to be a Hanbali, a Shafi'i, a Maliki, a Hanafi, or a Thawri. It is not obligatory for me. Yes.

The questioner : Okay, but what about people who are unable to acquire knowledge?

The Shaykh : Those who are unable to do so, Allah has commanded them to ask the people of knowledge. He said: So, for one who does not know, it is obligatory to follow a scholar without knowing his evidence. But whom should one follow? We do not say: It is obligatory for you to follow Ahmad, or al-Shafi'i, or Malik, or Abu Hanifa, or Sufyan al-Thawri, or anyone else. Rather, follow the one you see to be closest to the truth. Yes.