Question:
Answer:
The differences between the Fuqahaa will never be resolved. And neither can anyone lay claim to 100% correct while those who disagree with him are 100% incorrect. That is why if the Musallis in your Masjid follow a different imam then you should try your utmost not to raise any objections to their actions. And try not to prove the correctness of the Hanafi Math-hab by quoting the proof of the Hanafi Fuqahaa. Should anyone however raise an objection against you then you should merely inform him of the reason for your action using the Kitaabs on Hanafi Fiqh as a reference. If however it develops into opposition or a debate then inform them that the different opinions of the Madhaahib are from the time of the Sahaabah [R.A] and that the meanings and application of the varying Ahaadith hold different possibilities and outcomes. It is extremely difficult to make 1 definite decision and to hold 1 specific viewpoint. A thousand years ago during the era of the Taabi’een with the presence countless Ulama and Fuqahaa Imam Abu Hanifah explained the reason for giving preference of his opinion over the various other viewpoints. And since we have absolute reliance on his knowledge we follow him in his opinions and viewpoints. Similarly, you should keep on adhering to the opinion of your Imam. To try and make extra research on that Masaa’il which have been researched and debated about 1000 years ago and try and prove their absolute correctness will be futile because it is not possible to deduce the absolute correctness of any Math-hab. Therein lies our safety, by us following the opinions of our respective Imams and by making an effort not to negatively affect other people’s actions due to our actions.
Due to the fact that you are the imam of the Masjid and that you hold Dars as well, you should hold a Mashwarah and specify a certain corner or part of the Masjid as well as a time for your Dars. Thereafter make an announcement of the decision of the Mashwarah to the Musallis and say that during that time if anyone wants to perform Salaah or any other Ibaadah should try and do it in a different portion of the Masjid.
References for the Dalaail of the Hanafi Fiqh include; Fathul Qadeer, Mu’attah Imam Muhammad, Sharhul Ma’aani Al Aathaar of imam Tahaawi, Kitaabul Aathaar of imam Muhammad, Nasbur Raayah of Imam Zaila’ee, Aathaar us Sunan of Allamah Neemvi , Ma’aarifus Sunan , Dars e Tirmidhi , Tareeqah-e- Namaaz by Mufti Muhammad Jamil Nadhiri and Majmoo’ah e Rasaail by Ml Ameen Safdar Ukkarwi.
In answer to your question I want to reconfirm that the Dalaail of the Hanafi Fiqh also stem from Ahaadith although those Ahaadith are not necessarily in Bukhari and Muslim. Your answers should never result in ill feelings and arguments, and should anyone desire to argue with you, politely seek leave and avoid the topic because it will not result in a positive outcome.
And whoever wants only references from Bukhari and Muslim and refutes the authenticity of the other kutub on Hadith than ask him to produce a Hadith which is Muttasil in Sanad and marfoo’ as well that proves that the only authentic Ahaadith references in Islam are Bukhari and Muslim and no other Hadith Kitaab. As long as he does not produce a Hadith don’t go into any further discussion with him. Should any Ghair Muqallid raise an objection on a Mas’ala then instead of going into an argument with him ask him to produce a Sahih Hadith proving your maslak to be wrong. And if he raises an objection against Taqleed then ask whether he is a Muqallid or a Mujtahid. If he claims to be a Mujtahid then ask him a few Masaa’il on Buyoo’ and Qadhaa and request an answer from Qur’an and Hadith.
If he is not a Mujtahid then how can he raise objections against Taqleed? In my opinion that in this way you will find it much easier.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
30 January 2007
10 Muharram 1428