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Imam Shafi (RA) has said, “When you find in my books anything contradicting the Sunnah of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam then say the Sunnah of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam and leave aside my statement.

Allamah Beeri narrating from Sharah Hidayah of Ibn Shuhnah saying that Imam Abu Hanifah (RA) has said: “When the Hadith is authentic then that is my madhab.” (Raddul Muhatar p.167 v.1)

Imam Nawawi (RA) says; “what Imam Shafi has said does not mean that everyone who sees a Sahih Hadith should say; “This is the madhab of Imam Shafi (RA), thus practicing on the Zahir (apparent meaning) of the hadith.

This is most certainly applies to only such a person who has the rank of ijtihad in the madhab. It is a condition that he overwhelmingly believes that Imam Shafi (RA) was unaware of its authenticity. And this is only possible after having made research of all the books of Imam Shafi (RA) and similar other books of the Ashaab of Imam Shafi (RA), those who take (knowledge) from him and others similar to these books. This is indeed a difficult condition (to fulfill). Few are there who measure up to this. What we have explained has been made conditional because Imam Shafi (RA) had abandoned acting on the Zahir of many ahadith which he saw and knew.” (Ilaaus Sunan p.225 v.2)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

When the Hadith Is Authentic Then That Is My Madhab

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