Qur'an, Hadith and Fiqh

The Deen of Islam is represented mainly by the Qur'an-e-Kareem and the teachings of Rasulullah (Sallalaahu Alaihi Wasallam) which are known as Ahaadith.

The Qur'an-e-Kareem and the Ahaadith, have been explained, interpreted and adapted to our daily life by the Fuqaha (jurists). This work of the Fuqaha have accomplished and developed in order to enable us to practise the Qur'an and the teachings of Rasulullah (Sallalaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in our daily life is called Fiqh.

Therefore, "Fiqh" is not a science different from the Qur'an and Hadith. It is something derived from the Qur'an and the Hadith itself. Rather, it is the adapted form of the Qur'an and Hadith. Fiqh can be likened to the rays coming from the sun; they are not a separate entity from the sun. Therefore, following Fiqh means following the Qur'an and Hadith! When a person follows Fiqh, it means that he is following the Deen. The Deen is within Fiqh. So it is not possible to follow the Deen without following Fiqh. This shows that rejecting Fiqh means not accepting the light emanating from the Qur'an and the Hadith. This act represents the rejection of the actual Deen.

The 4 Mazhab

Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi alaih), Imam Malik (Rahmatullaahi alaih), Imam Shaafi'i (Rahmatullaahi alaih) and Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahmatullaahi alaih) had interpreted the Qur'an-e-Kareem and the Ahaadith of Nabi (Sallalaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and adapted it to daily life. The interpretation of the Deen given by Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi alaih) is called the Hanafi Mazhab; that which was interpreted by Imam Malik (Rahmatullaahi alaih) is called the Maliki Mazhab; that which was interpreted by Imam Shaafi'i (Rahmatullaahi alaih) is called the Shaafi'i Mazhab and that which Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahmatullaahi alaih) interpreted is called the Hambali Mazhab. All 4 Mazhab are valid and correct. The great majority of the Muslims have practised upon these 4 Mazhab from the first and second century Hijri. In every Mazhab, we have great Ulama who did the same too. So this is a proof that all the 4 Mazhab are Saheeh (authentic). When a person follows one of these 4 Mazhab, he is on the right path and he is on the truth. It is like 4 different paths that lead to the same destination or different therapies that lead to the same cure or multiple formulas leading to the same solution.

Following only one of the 4 Mazhab

During the time of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum,) the Qur'an-e-Kareem was recited in different ways.  This was due to it being revealed in different ways.

Hazrat Usmaan (Radiyallaahu Anhu) attention’s was drawn to the fact that the differences in reciting the Qur’an may in the long run, lead to dissension and division in the Ummah. After consulting with the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum), Hazrat Usmaan (Radiyallaahu Anhu) decided to unite the Ummah on a single way of recitation. By so doing, Hazrat Usmaan (Radiyallaahu Anhu) and the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) did not go against the Shariah because the sole aim and objective was to save the Ummah from being split.

Similarly, there was a time when people used to contact an ‘Aalim and were practising the Deen accordingly without adhering to a specific Mazhab. Since people at that time were sincere and had the will-power to practise the Deen without ulterior motives, this method of practising the Deen proceeded smoothly.

However, later on, the Ulama observed that people's mindset was deteriorating gradually. People were no more like before in piety and will-power to practise Deen. The Ulama noticed that people were using the differences in Mazhab for their personal advantages. In actual fact, this is following the Nafs (desire) under the cover of Deen. Practising the Deen in this way is reprehensible because the Deen must be practised to please Allah Ta'ala solely. Otherwise this way of practising Deen is a means of pleasing ourselves while giving the impression that it is being done for the pleasure of Allah. This is a treachery that we are committing towards ourselves.

The Ulama observed that if the public was given the freedom to choose a little here and a little there from the Mazhab, they would do it to suit their personal interests. Therefore, the Ulama found it wise to impose the following of one Mazhab upon the Ummah. This implies that a person should follow only one Mazhab in its entirety. He is not allowed to choose a little here and a little there from different Mazhab. In so doing, the Ulama have protected the Ummah from the lowliness of following their desires and their pleasures under the cover of Deen. This also enabled the Ulama to ensure that the Ummah implemented the Deen only for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.

Choosing the best

Often, one may hear people who have studied a short course claim that they have analysed all 4 Mazhab and have chosen the strongest opinion from each one of them. This statement may sound appealing to the ears but actually, this statement is the product of sheer ignorance. 
Firstly, in order to be able to analyze and comment on a point of view of a particular Mazhab, one should master that Mazhab fully. One should be aware of all the facts that a Mujtahid considered before issuing his point of view. Allaamah An-Nawawi, a famous and eminent scholar of the 7th century, found it almost impossible to have a person of such calibre in his epoch.

We may find a particular Hadith to be authentic, yet the point of view of a Mujtahid may contradict this Hadith. But can we say definitely that the particular Mujtahid was not aware of this Hadith or that he misunderstood it? Such a statement may be put forth either by a Mujtahid or by a very ignorant person who boldly says "Yes" in a very irresponsible manner. Therefore, as long as we do not know these facts, the question of choosing to practice does not even arise since it requires a certain degree and a certain calibre that the Ulama and scholars of nowadays do not possess. If you got the impression or someone made you believe that he has mastered all the 4 Mazhab, then you should know that this cannot be true. 

If it so happens that you know the opinions and the point of views of all the 4 Mazhab regarding a particular subject, you should not fool yourself into believing that you have mastered these four Mazhab. One should have a little decency and dignity in oneself not to deceive people with untruths. It is this very attitude that finally push all ignoramuses who studied a page or two in their native language to take the Deen in their hands and launch vulgar criticisms against the scholars of Deen like the 4 Imams. And it is this very same attitude that pushed the Muslims towards anarchy to such an extent that they no longer see any difference and boundary between Islam and the other religions. Hence, this way of analyzing the 4 Mazhab and practicing what is best according to oneself are erroneous ways of practicing Deen. This is because we do not have the ability to carry out such a task and if we do so, we will definitely invent a fifth Mazhab. Those who will come after us will do same as us and they will invent a sixth Mazhab. And this will keep going on. Think about it for a moment - what will happen to this Deen then?

An advice!

Adhere to one of these 4 Mazhab which are all correct  and authentic. One will surely reach one's destination by adhering to any of them. Do not integrate all the 4 Mazhab, otherwise, there will be the possibility of one slipping to the extent of risking losing one's Deen too. In Mauritius, the vast majority of the Muslim population has always been practising the Deen according to the Mazhab and the interpretation of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alayh). Therefore, they are called Hanafi. The Hanafi Mazhab is an authentic and correct way of practising the Deen which has been in effect since the first century of Hijri up till today. Recently though, there have been some irresponsible individuals that have been putting doubts in people's minds concerning this Mazhab. They caused division and further subdivided the Ummah under the false pretence that they are preaching the truth. But the truth is that they are in clear error. They want you to disassociate from the methodology of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi alayh) and invite you to their own methodology. What can be more banal than that? Leaving the study of the scholars to follow the ignorant! In Mauritius, following the Hanafi Mazhab guarantees harmony and unity within the Muslim community. Opposing and criticising the Hanafi Mazhab will only create disorder and impede the progress of the Ummah.

A thought!

If you say that Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi alayh) could have made a mistake in his judgment, then wouldn't it also make sense to say that you could also be making a mistake in your judgment about Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi alayh)? See, well, I am more certain that it is actually your short-sightedness that is making you see that Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi alayh) is in error.

[English version of " Qour’aan, Hadice et Fiqh"- Al Jamiat - Vol.4 No.10]