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should act according to it.” This too Imam Maalik (Rahmatullah Alayh) refused
saying: “There has been diffefences of opinion among the Sahabah (Radiallahu
anhum) on certain sub-divisional (faraih) affairs. And they are correct in their juristic
(ijtihaad) interpretations. Now these masaail have become widespread and people are
acting according to those masaail. (Do not now stop or confuse them).”
Haroon-al-Rashid (Rahmatullah Alayh) appreciated this answer very much. (Introd.
of Owjaz).
The differences between the Hanafis and the Shafis are well-known. In hundreds of
masaail they hold different views. Yet this very same Imam Shafi (Rahmatullah
Alayh) said: “Whosoever wishes to become a proper jurist, should attach himself to
one of the students of Abu Haneefah (Rahmatullah Alayh). I myself became a jurist
through the books of Imam Abu Muhammad (Rahmatullah Alayh) (disciple of Abu
Haneefah (Rahmatullah Alayh).”
Imam Abu Haneefah (Rahmatullah Alayh) said to his disciples: “Wherever you
happen to find any proof contrary to my stated verdict, then accept it.” On this the
author of Duff Manthoor writes: “The basis of this saying of the Imam is the fact that
the differences of opinion among the Ulema is a sign of mercy and that on condition
that this dissent is in accordance with the rules and is governed by principles, the
more the dissent the greater the mercy.” (Shami).
These respected ones never had much worries about differences among themselves.
Now I ask you. Look at those things wherein the Ulema have no differences. Then
tell me: What is happening to those things about which there are no differences of
opinion? Salaah, the beard, wine, interest and others. Is there any difference of
opinion regarding the compulsion of Salaah? Look what is being done to it, and all
these others. The treatment given to all these is only too evident and you see the
result.
Causes for the Continuation of Controversies
Cause One: Now I ask you to take careful note of what I say. In my humble opinion
there are two causes for these ever-increasing controversies of today. One pertains to
the Ulema and the other concerns the masses. The fault of the Ulema is this that they
do not keep their differences in non-principle matters confined to the Ulema. No, in
fact many of them go out of their way to solicit and canvas the support of the masses
and to have them on their sides in their battles. They thereby, with the help and
support of the masses, endeavour to insult and degrade the Ulema of truth. In truth,
for them the best line of action should be this: They should express their views and
findings fearlessly and without fear announce that which they consider the truth. In
that, they should also not be afraid of the blame thrown at them by critics and also not
take notice as to whether anyone acts according to these findings or not.
Remember that as for those who are the people of truth, their truthfulness is not
affected by whether people are following them or not. So if none acts according to
Al- Eti’daal Fi Maraatibur- Rijaal 157