Is it permissible for one practicing Ijtihad regarding Qibla to follow the Ijtihad of another scholar?
Chapter on Facing the Qiblah
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
When two independent scholars differ on the Qibla, each one is obligated to pray facing the direction indicated by their own Ijtihad. It is not permissible for them to abandon their finding or to follow the other scholar, regardless of whether the other scholar is more knowledgeable or not, similar to how differing knowledgeable judges must base their rulings on their own effort.
Supporting text
If one scholar performs Ijtihad and the other intends to follow (taqlid) without performing their own Ijtihad, this is not permitted. The follower must perform Ijtihad themselves, even if time is restricted and they fear the prayer time expiring. This is analogous to a judge who cannot issue a ruling by following another without their own deliberation.