1. According to Hafiz ibn Hajar (RA), Imaam Bukhari was a Shaaf’ee. Ibn
al-Qayyim is of the opinion that he was a Hanbali. The preferred view seems
to be that he was a Mujtahid (one qualified to make independent deductions
from the sources of Islamic law). (Zafarul Muhassireen pg.108; Mir Muhammad)
2. The author of Zafarul Muhassileen has stated that the Madhab of these
Aimmah (plural of Imaam) Muslim (RA), Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah (RA) is not
known. However, research of their works have shown them to be inclined to
the Madhab of the people of Hijaaz. It is most likely that they were
Mujtahids in their own right. (Ibid pg.140; 118)
3. Allaamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri (RA) with reference to Ibn Taymiyah has
regarded Imaam Abu Dawud among the Jurists of Hanbaliy Madhab. Research of
his work attests to this. (Ibid pg.126)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.