FOLLOWING AN IMAAM

When we do not know, we should follow a person who knows. It is absolutely normal and logical that we must be accompanied by those who have experience and know the way when we have to make a journey at sea. No one will say otherwise. Similarly, we should seek help from someone who knows Deen in order to know for sure what Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) have said. This will help us to practice Deen as we should. That is why it is in our interest to follow one of the 4 Imaams who have understood very well what Allah and His Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) have said. 

These 4 Imaams, who have spent their lives explaining the words of Allah Ta’ala and the words of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and have extracted the way to apply them, are called:

1. Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) 80-150 H

2. Imaam Malik (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) 90-179 H

3. Imaam Shafi’i (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) 150-204 H

4. Imaam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) 164-241 H

[English version of "Suive imaam" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.1]