What Is Our Stature in Comparison to the Four Great Imams?

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque

Published: May 2, 2017

Introduction

At best, we can only make a modest effort to share the true message of Islam with our families, friends, colleagues, and wider communities, including through social media. Whatever little good we can do is only possible through the guidance and mercy of Allah (SWT).

However, in our pursuit of understanding Islamic teachings, it is important to reflect on our intellectual humility, especially when compared to the towering scholarship of the Four Great Imams of Islamic jurisprudence.

The Supremacy of the Qur’an and Sunnah

The ultimate and authentic sources of guidance in Islam are the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. All other interpretations, opinions, and legal verdicts (fatwas) are secondary and subject to review. With time, human reasoning may evolve, and scholarly opinions may be reassessed.

The Four Great Imams themselves emphasized that their rulings were not absolute; rather, they were efforts to interpret divine guidance. Their humility sets a powerful example for all who seek knowledge today.

Imam Ash-Shafi‘i (RA)

Al-Shafi‘i stated:

“If I say something, then compare it to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. If it agrees with them, then accept it; and if it goes against them, then reject it and throw my saying against the wall.”(Reported in An-Nawawi, al-Majmoo’ 1/63)

This statement reflects profound humility and reinforces that no scholar’s opinion supersedes divine revelation.

Imam Malik (RA)

Malik ibn Anas said:

“Indeed, I am only a human. I can be correct, and I can make mistakes. So examine my opinion: whatever agrees with the Book and the Sunnah, accept it; and whatever does not, then leave it.”(Jami‘ Bayan al-‘Ilm, 1/775)

His words clearly affirm that the Qur’an and Sunnah remain the sole and authentic standards of judgment.

Imam Abu Hanifa (RA)

Abu Hanifa advised one of his students:

“Do not write down everything you hear from me, for I may hold one opinion today and leave it tomorrow; and hold another tomorrow and leave it the day after.”(Reported by ‘Abbaas and ad-Dooree in at-Taareekh by Ibn Mu‘een, vol. 6, p. 88)

This demonstrates intellectual openness and recognition that human understanding evolves with time.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA)

Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated:

“Do not follow my opinion, nor that of Malik, nor Shafi‘i, nor Awzaa‘i, nor Thawri. Rather, take from where they took.”

Meaning: return to the sources, the Qur’an and Sunnah.

A Lesson in Humility and Methodology

If such towering scholars of Islamic jurisprudence cautioned against blind following, then what is our stature in comparison to theirs? Their guidance makes it clear that no individual or institution can legitimize something that is in clear contradiction to the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Conclusion

In light of this principle, Riba (interest) cannot be justified in any form, including indirect usage for benchmarking purposes in Islamic banking and finance, if it clearly violates divine injunctions. There is no precedent that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used prevailing interest rates to benchmark business transactions.

If the Four Great Imams themselves subordinated their opinions to the Qur’an and Sunnah, then intellectual integrity demands that we do the same.