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should stand in-between the two and in line with them. It is interesting to note that
even between Sayyidina Umar (Radiallahu anhu) and his son Abdullah (Radiallanu
anhu) there were many differences in masaail. Someone once asked Hasan-al-Basri
(Radiallahu anhu): “How is it that Sayyidina Tbn Umar (Radiallahu anhu) used to
peform Witr Salaah in such manner that he recited the salaam in-between.” (In other
words he first performed two rakaahs independently and then added one
independently). Hasan (Radiallahu anhu) replied: “Sayyidina Umar (Radiallahu anhu)
(his father) used to perform the three rakaahs together, and he had greater insight into
fiqah (jurisprudence) than Ibn Umar (Radiallahu anhu) .“ (Hashiya of Bukhari).
Differences of the Four Imams (Rahinatullah Alayh)
So we see that there are numerous masaail in which the Sahabah (Radiallahu anhum)
and the Tabi-een disagreed. Thereafter we have the difference in the mazhabs of the
four Imams which have existed for twelve- hundred years. Each of these Imams have
millions of followers acting upon their mazhabs. Once, I set about counting the
differences of opinion between the Ulema in four rakaahs Salaah. A short-sighted
person like myself came across one hundred and fifty. How many more may not be
uncovered by more capable ones?
Look at this one. On Fridays there is one moment when any dua that is made at that
time is accepted and granted by Allah. Which is that moment? The differences of the
Ulema in fixing that specific moment is such that there are up to fifty theories.
(Owjaz). Even as to when Laylatul-Qadr will be there are almost fifty theories. The
Quran exhorts us to observe Salaah diligently and especially the middle Salaah.
Which is the middle Salaah? In answer to this there are among the Ulema twenty-two
theories and statements. Apart from these there are quite a few others where the
differences are of such nature that there are numerous theories. And so it has been for
ages. Now I ask you: Is this all mischief and evil? Did the Ummat land into calamities
because of this or do we have to admit that for the Ummat there was ease and comfort
therein? We have already stated that those who appreciated these differences, had
said so. You have seen how Umar bin Abdul Aziz (Radiallahu anhu) was pleased
with it.
When the Abbasid Calipha Abu Jaa’far Al-Mansur (Radiallahu anhu) went on Haj to
Mecca, he met Imam Malik (Rahmatullah Alayh) and requested him to have
numerous copies made of his books. The Caliph: expressed his desire to have these
copies spread all over his dominion, and to command that all should act accordingly
and not exceed beyond it. The Imam refused to accede to the request of the king,
saying: “Many different Hadeeth have reached the people of various areas and every
group of pupils is acting in accordance with the reports they have received. Hence
they should be left to act according to their own mazhab.”
Later the Abbasid Caliph Haroon-al-Rashid (Rahmatullah Alayh) also discussed a
similar matter with the Imam saying: “It is my wish that a copy of the Muatta-i-
Maalik should be placed inside the Kaaba, and to declare it compulsory that all
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