What is the ideal position for a Muslim to take when confronted with different scholarly opinions?

The Answer:

What is obligatory is to investigate the correct opinion in every issue, and to investigate the opinion that actualizes benefits for the Muslims and protects them from harm as long as [that opinion] is not free of evidence [from the sources of Islamic Law]. This type of investigation requires insight, knowledge and a deep understanding. Thus, if one is unable to perform such a task, then what is asked of him is to follow, from amongst the scholars, one who possesses the most insight, knowledge and is known to be a person of piety and righteousness. In addition, such a scholar should be known as one who does not haste in giving religious edicts, nor does so without knowledge. Therefore, [if one finds] a scholar who gives religious edicts who acquired the above mentioned qualities, then he [the questioner] should follow that scholar’s opinion and there is no blame on him in doing so.

Dr. Abdullah Bin Bayyah