Bismillah Rahman Raheem

This is another sample of giving a 'quick' yet correct answer to one of our brothers on the subject of 'blind following' [taqleed] in Islam.

Dear Brother in Islam:

AsSalam Alaykum wa Ramahtulah. Ramadhan Mubarak. I pray to Allah that you are all well and in the highest of Iman and Taqwah, ameen.

Regarding your question on blind following of a madhab (called Taqleed in Arabic): it is not permissable to blindly follow anyone after having understood the messsage of Islam. One of the first things that I teach my students is to always ask the question "Where did you get this from." Or more politely: "Sir, where can I find the reference for future use?"
This of course even applies to me. If I am not able to produce a proof for my statements, then I should remain silent. This is actually the way of the early scholars themselves.

So, please feel free to visit our site on this subject at:
http://www.TodayIslam.com/whichgroups.htm
This is the end of the answer. This is actually too short of an answer to a very heavy question. What I continued with was to help soften the hard blow of such a bried answer which was obviously against the way many have been brought up to believe.

I thought I might drop you a note and let you know our travel schedule for dawah in the month of Ramadhan. Hopefully, you will have time to let others know as well.
And then I gave him some details on activities and new shahadahs, etc. He received it very well, inshallah. And I pray Allah Guide me to do better in the future, ameen.
Jazakallah khair and may Allah continue you in Guidance from Him, ameen.
Your brother in Islam,
Yusuf