Is the methodology followed in taqlid—by first searching for the fatwas of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Uthaymeen, then referring to your website, while attempting to research scholarly disagreements and the sayings of the Companions—a sound methodology or does it contain flaws? Is it necessary to rank scholars according to their trustworthiness, from most to least? And what is the interpretation of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah's saying: "If one of the two opinions becomes preponderant in the view of the mustafti—either because its evidence is stronger, according to his discernment, or because its proponent is more knowledgeable and more pious—then he may follow it, even if his view contradicts the madhhab"? Is a person who follows this methodology sinful if it is unsound?

The legally responsible individual must follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah (definition). When evidence emerges regarding a matter, it must be followed. If one cannot distinguish or prioritize between different opinions, they must follow the most knowledgeable and most pious scholar. The four Imams and other scholars believe that no one is obligated to adhere to the opinion of a specific person except the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. The inquirer is permitted to follow the most knowledgeable and most pious scholar or choose among the muftis. The method you mentioned—of following the fatwas of the Companions, then the Tabi'in (successors), then Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, then Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen—is permissible. Nevertheless, if clear evidence from the Qur'an or Sunnah appears contradicting the opinion of the one you are following, then it is obligatory to follow the evidence and abandon the contradictory opinion.