Opposing views in the Hanafi Madhab
Question:-
What is the ruling regarding Amr bil Maroof in matters that are مختلف فيه?
If possible, could Muftisahib please elaborate on the following:
1) If the difference is amongst the four Mathahib and one Mathab such as the Ahnaaf consider something good, whilst the Shaafi’ees consider it wrong, then can the Ahnaaf carry out Amr Bil Ma’roof?
2) The difference is within the Hanafi Mathab with two views from the A’imaah of the Mathab, and the Fatwaa was given on both views by various scholars?
3) The difference is within the Hanafi Mathab and there are two views from the A’immah of the Mathab but one view is متروك , then can Amr bil Ma’roof be done on the one acting upon the Matrook Qawl?
Answer:-
1. There are certain matters of Deen that have been clearly mentioned in the Quraan Sharif and Hadith Sharif. There is no difference amongst the A’immah in regards to them being Halaal or Haraam, whilst certain matters are such that a clearcut ruling hasn’t been mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah. In these matters, the A’immah Mujtahideen are required to exercise their minds and reach a conclusion of either permissibility or impermissibility. Due to them differing in their knowledge and understanding, they naturally differed in the Masaa’il or rulings deduced. In such an instance, the Imaams or followers of one Madhab cannot criticize or reject the rulings of other Madhaahib.
2. When there are two views in the Madhab, one cannot choose any view as he wishes. It is necessary to look for the Raajih Qawl (preferred view) of the Madhab and rule according to the preferred view. Once the Raajih (preferred view) has been ascertained by Ashaab-e-Tarjeeh, then the remaining view (which is the un-preferred view) is considered as non-existent. It is not permissible to pass a ruling on the Marjooh Qawl when the Raajih Qawl is found in the Madhab. By leaving the Raajih Qawl (preferred view) and following the Marjhooh Qawl (un-preferred view) one will be acting upon his desires, which is Haraam. In conclusion, if one chose the un-preferred view without a valid reason, then his view will not be accepted.
انه لا يجوز للمفتي والعامل ان يفتي او يعمل بما شاء من القولين او الوجهين من غير نظر وهذا لا خلاف فيه — وكلام القرافي دال علي ان المجتهد والمقلد لا يحل لهما الحكم والافتاء بغير الراجح لانه اتباع للهوي وهو حرام اجماعا – – -والمرجوح في مقابلة الراجح بمنزلة العدم (شرج عقود رسم المفتي ص8)
3. Similarly, if there are two views in the Madhab, then a Mufti who has the ability of Ijtihaad, should exercise his mind and give preference to one view from the two views based on the strength of Dalaa’il. We are then required to follow that view. If a Mufti with the ability of Ijtihaad is not found, then the view of Imaam Abu Hanifa Rahimahullah will be taken. If nothing is mentioned from Imaam Saheb, then the view of Imaam Yusuf Rahimahullah will be adopted, then the view of Imaam Muhammad Rahimahullah, followed by view of Hassan Bin Ziyaad Rahimahullah and finally, the view of Imaam Zufar Rahimahullah. This is the sequence that has to be followed. Now, if one goes against the above-mentioned sequence and presents his own view (hence resulting in two views), then his view will not be acceptable.
فالاٰن لا ترجيح بالدليل فليس الا القول بالتفصيل
ما لم يكن خلافه المصححا فناخذ الذي لهم قد وضحا (شرج عقود رسم المفتي ص42)
3. The Matrook Qawl is actually the Marjooh Qawl and cannot be chosen except at the time of necessity. The details have been mentioned above in #2.
ان الواجب علي من أراد ان يعمل لنفسه او يفتي غيره ان يتبع القول الذي رجحه علماء مذهبه فلا يجوز له العمل او الإفتاء بالمرجوح الا في بعض المواضع –(شرج عقود رسم المفتي ص8)
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 21 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 / 18 October 2022