very important fiqh quetion for Abuz Zubair or Sharif Abu Ja'far...

[aboosafar]

As salamu 'alaykum,
I need to know, as I am trying to study fiqh by way of the shafi'i madhhab, is there a different approach taken to madhhab based fiqh between ash'ari shafi'i's and athari shafi'is?

In other words, if I found a person qualified to answer questions one who was a mufti shaf'i athari and one who was a mufti shaf'i ash'ari, would there be any notable differences in approach that I should be aware of.

I ask because I don't know any athari shaf'i muftis to ask questions to but I can ask ash'ari's fiqh questions related to ahkam.

Is there any harm in this or should I go out of my way to find a athari shaf'i to ask questions to and if so, why?

I'm wondering, specifically, in issues like, wiping over cotton socks, and issues like making up intentionally missed salats (not due to forgetfullness or sleep)?

How do I approach these types of issues where all madhhab followers seem to agree except athari scholars differ, but I only know of hanbali (Shaykh 'Uthaymin) and dhahiri athari scholars (Shaykh Muqbil) and can't find a shafi'i athari scholar to see if they say the same as other athari's?

I'm confused here and really need help.

[Abuz Zubair]

There is nothing wrong with learning fiqh from an Ash'ari scholar.

Also, do take note that learning Fiqh is not the same as practising Fiqh. One learning fiqh still remains an layman who must approach a mufti for fatwa and act accordingly.

But as a student of knowledge, a person should try to find out the proofs for the rulings and try to exercise what he knows of mustalah, usul and qawa'id to know the strongest opinion.

[aboosafar]

Allah yajzeekal khair for the clarification akhi.