Abdullaah narrated from his father Imaam Ahmad who said: ”If a person has written works (by the scholars) in which is contained the statements of Allaah’s Messenger  (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), the differences of opinion between the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een, it is not permissible for him to act upon what he wants, choose (what he wants), judge by it and act upon it until he asks the people of knowledge  (i.e. the scholars) regarding what to take from it, so that he can act upon what is sound.” [Source: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 2/84]

This above statement of Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) reminds us of a head amongst the Hizbiyyoon, whom the Imaam at Al-Markazus Salafi [Kamaal – Imaadud-deen (may Allaah preserve him)] told to refer to the scholars during the fitnah of Abul Hasan al-Maribi, so the hizbi said: ‘’I have a library and can search for the truth’’. We seek Allaah’s protection from misguidance Aameen.