Tab Tabiun- I think you are refering to the Hadith from Bukhuri and Sahih Muslim[/b].d that our ummah will be separated into 73 sects,except one group will be a true follower, as scholar interpret is as
This following expert is taken from "A Brief introducion of the 'Aqeedah of Ahl Assunnah wal- Jama'ah" by Abd-Allah al-Athari

"..a definiation of this blessed group which adhere s to this true Islam that was brought by Messenger of Allah swt and the generations of the Sahaabah and the Taabi'een and those followed them in truth-may Allah make us among them. This group is the saved group, the victoirous group, which is described as Ahl as sunnah wahl-Jammaa'ah, Ahl- Al Hadeeth, Ahl al Athar wal Ittibaa'. They are the ones who follow the same path as the Prophet (saw) and his Companions did. "

Again, as Sister Rabiya mentioned, Muslims are not obliged to Follow a particular madhab/or school of thought, in any way.

These Imams were sent to different parts of the world to guide our Ummah to straight path and make things easier for us. The missions of these Imams were to spread word of Islam, As muslims we must show our utmost respect for each and every one of them, and it would be silly to dispute over their differnce of opinons. Infact,they do agree with each other for far on 95% of the matter.

Infact, one of these Imams was the teacher of the other..so as muslims we must unite and not cause divisiions among us..

Jihad_spun: Jazaki ullahu Khairan Sister, just Id like to add, Our beloved Prophet (saw) didnt follow Hanafi madhab, because all of these Imams follow Prophet Mohammad Sallahu walle wasalaam. Our Nabi saw only followed the Quran which were filled with commands of Allah swt.

Åhmed : Jazakullahu Khairan for the welcome.
:sister:
May Allah subhallah wah tallah forgive me if I have said something wrong or if I have offended anyone. Ameen