Is the prohibition against seeking out the dispensations (rukhṣ) of the madhhabs disliked (makruh) or forbidden (haram), and what is the ruling on following one's whims (hawa) in adopting the easier or stricter opinion if it is the view of the majority or the preferred (rajih) opinion?

It is not permissible for a layperson to seek out concessions (rukhṣ), and there is a reported consensus on this matter. One who does so is deemed a fasiq (transgressor) and considered a zindiq (heretic). If he knows that one of the two opinions is the stronger (rajih) one, then he is obligated to adopt it, whether it is the more stringent or the easier one. If the easier one is the stronger opinion, he is permitted to adopt it, but it is better to adopt the more stringent one. If he does not know which is the stronger opinion, and his inclination leans towards the opinion of the majority, then he is permitted to adopt the opinion of the greater number.