What is the ruling on following or belonging to one of the schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and is that considered a fragmentation of the religion?

Adhering to one of the recognized schools of thought (madhahib) is permissible and does not contradict following the Sunnah, because the imams were keen on adhering to the Sunnah. Those who follow their opinions believe that they are correct in them, due to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and they are not bigoted towards any of these madhahib; rather, they follow the truth wherever it may be. The imams of Islam throughout the ages belonged to these madhahib, despite their strong adherence to the Sunnah. So, whoever thinks that following the Sunnah necessitates abandoning the jurisprudential madhahib has erred. Therefore, studying these madhahib and emulating their proponents, while shunning fanaticism, does not contradict following the Sunnah.