Answer
The differences between the four famous Jurists Imaam Abu Hanifa, Shaaf’ee, Maaliki and Hanbaliy stem from their differences on principles. The basic
principle according to Imaam Maaliki is to prefer Amal-e-Madinah, that is the practices of the people of Madina Munawwarah.
However, that principle is not adopted by Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai