How to choose a Madhab
QUESTION:-
1) What is the view of our Ulama regarding the Ahle Hadeeth?
2) If someone wants to choose an Imaam of a Madhab, how would they go about doing this?
3) How does a person, who has learnt according to Ghair Muqallid Fiqh, choose an Imaam for Taqleed?
ANSWER:-
The view of our Ulama regarding the Ahle Hadeeth is that they are a deviated sect.
Re-: Fataawa Mahmoodiyah Vol.3 Pg. 332/333
1. There are some major differences between the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah and the Ahle Hadeeth. Some of these differences have been listed below:
- Rejection of Taqlid.
- Rejection of Ijma’ (Consensus) of the Ummah.
- Rejection of 20 Rakaats of Taraweeh.
- Rejection of 3 Talaaqs taking place when uttered at once.
- Performing Masah on ordinary socks.
فاما هذه الطبقة اللذين هم اهل الحديث و الاثر فان الاكثرين انما كدهم الروايات و جمع الطرق و طلب الغريب و الشاذ من الحديث اللذي اكثره موضوع او مغلوب لا يراعون المتون و لا يتفاهمون المعاني و لا يستنبطون سرها (عقد الجيد ص 17)
Re-: Deviated Sects and The Straight Path of Islam Pg.236/237
2. We were unable to find a clear directive in the Books of Fiqh regarding how one should choose a Madhab for a normal person. If a particular Madhab is followed by majority of the people in an area, it will be most suitable to follow the said Madhab, with the proviso that the Madhab is from one of the four famous Madhaahib (i.e. Hanafi, Shafi’ee, Maliki or Hanbali). The reason for this, is that it will be easy for one to learn the Madhab from the Ulama of the area, and understand and practice upon the Madhab without difficulty.
3. This has already been discussed above in #2.
ALLAH TA’AALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:-
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date:- 16 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 06 June 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:-
Mufti Mohammed Desai