Is it permissible to adopt the opinion of an Islamic economist who issues a fatwa permitting one specific form of a financial transaction, while prohibiting all other forms and agreeing with the rest of the jurists on their prohibition, relying on Sharia evidence and previous fatwas, knowing that he is trustworthy and a member of Sharia committees?

A follower is permitted to emulate any trustworthy scholar (mufti) renowned for their knowledge and piety. If two mujtahids (independent jurists) are deemed equal by the questioner, yet they differ in their rulings, there are three opinions:

1. He may choose between them. 2. He must adopt the stricter of the two rulings. 3. He must adopt the lenient of the two rulings.

The esteemed scholar Ibn Uthaymeen preferred the last opinion, basing his argument on the principle that Islamic law is founded on ease, as Allah states: "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185). He maintained that one should adopt the easier option, provided it does not lead to corruption. If it does, then one should adopt the easier option only for themselves.