Is it necessary for an Aalim to follow the majority verdict of the Ulama of his age?

Answer

It is not permissible for an Aalim who has structured his fatwa on the basis of Shar'i daleel to follow other Ulama who hold another view, but who are unable to convince him of the correctness of their view and the error of his view. All Ulama are Muqallideen. Hence, it is not permissible for one Muqallid Aalim to follow another Muqallid Aalim when he believes that the other one is in error, and even if the opposite view is that of the majority of Ulama. Majority is not a principle in the Shariah.