THE IMPORTANCE OF AIMMAH-E-MUJTAHIDEEN (RAHIMAHUMULLAH)

There are individuals who, due to a lack of knowledge, erroneously attribute mistakes to the 'Ulama-e-Mujtahideen, such as Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah), Imam Shafi'i (Rahimahullah), Imam Malik (Rahimahullah), and Imam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahimahullah), instead of questioning their own understanding. This attitude is similar to children who, unable to comprehend the wisdom or significance of the statements made by adults, mistakenly consider them in error. Such an approach is detrimental to the piety and very Imaan of the person in question.

It is essential that we internalise the understanding that an 'Aalim who has dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of 'Ilm-e-Deen, and who practices what he learns without being influenced by worldly desires that detract from Deen, is fully aware of the rulings he issues. He knows exactly what he is discussing. As an heir of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), his opinion must not be taken lightly or belittled as trivial.

Anyone to whom Allah Rabbul Izzah has granted the Taufeeq to understand the value of 'Ilm-e-Deen can never remain indifferent to the contemptuous attitude displayed by irresponsible individuals towards the Ahl-e-'Ilm. The general public is not at fault, but the so-called "Aimmah of our time" need to be more serious. They make statements without understanding their significance and often do not realise that by making such irresponsible claims, they attempt to place themselves on the same level as the Aimmah-e-Mujtahideen (Rahimahumullah). Their sole aim seems to be to prevent the public from following the Taqleed of the Aimmah-e-Mujtahideen (Rahimahumullah), while they themselves desire the public to accept and follow their own statements.

Wallaah! These so-called "Aimmah of our time" are unaware of the true taste and depth of 'Ilm-e-Saheeh (sound knowledge). Is it possible for someone who lacks an understanding of the principles (Usul) of Tafsir, Hadith, and Fiqh to have knowledge of Deen? Certainly not. The opinion of someone who has not mastered these foundational principles holds no value and does not deserve any consideration.

In the book Al-Mizaan, Allaamah Sha'rani reports the words of Allaamah Ibn Hazm (Rahimahullah):
"All the opinions put forward by the Mujtahideen are part of the Shari'ah, even if their proofs may not seem clear to the public. Anyone who denies this would be implying that the Aimmah were mistaken and that they proposed opinions contrary to what Allah Ta'ala has ordained. This is a deviation from the right path."

[English version of "L'importance des Aimmah-e-moudjtahidines (r)" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 7]