What is the authoritative reference a Muslim should follow, and is it sufficient to rely solely on the Qur’an and Sunnah, or must one adhere to a specific authority? And is it good to adopt the majority opinion in disputed matters?

Obeying Allah and His Messenger is achieved by following the Quran and Sunnah, understanding them in light of the comprehension of the noble Companions, and then seeking guidance from the words of the Imams and scholars. It is permissible for a layperson (muqallid) who is unable to weigh different opinions to follow any of the Imams of the schools of thought, as long as it is not out of personal caprice, and he should seek fatwa from whomever he believes will rule according to Islamic law. There is also no harm in accompanying a nurturing sheikh who disciplines according to the etiquette of the Sunnah, provided he is an exemplary role model who practices the Sunnah. It is a great fortune for a student of knowledge that Allah guides him to a scholar from the people of the Sunnah, because this knowledge is religion.