Muslims today face confusion when it comes to understanding the role of madhhabs (schools of thought), sects, sub-sects, aqeedah (belief), and tariqa (spiritual paths). As Salafis, our aqeedah is simple and rooted in following Allah's commands as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah, as understood by the Salaf-us-Saleheen, the first three generations of Muslims.
What Did the Four Imams Say About Blind Following?
The four imams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, never advocated for blind adherence to their opinions. They themselves warned against following their rulings if they contradicted authentic Hadith.
Statements of the Imams
Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله):
"When a hadith is found to be authentic, then that is my madhhab."
( Ibn Abidin in Radd al-Muhtar, vol. 1, p. 63.)
Imam Malik (رحمه الله):
"Anyone's opinion may be accepted or rejected except the one in this grave (the Prophet ﷺ)."
(Ibn Abdul Barr in Jami' Bayan al-'Ilm, vol. 2, p. 91.)
Imam Shafi'i (رحمه الله):
"If you see my opinion contradicting the hadith, then take the hadith and leave my opinion."
(Al-Bayhaqi in Manaqib al-Shafi'i, vol. 1, p. 469.)
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله):
"Do not follow me blindly, nor Malik, Shafi'i, Awza'i, or Thawri, but take from where they took (the Quran and Sunnah)."
( Ibn Qayyim in I'lam al-Muwaqqi'in, vol. 2, p. 302.)
Prophet ﷺ's Command to Follow the Salaf-us-Saleheen
The Salaf-us-Saleheen refers to the first three generations of Muslims: the Sahabah (companions), the Tabi'een (followers), and the Tabi' Tabi'een (followers of the followers).
Prophetic Guidance on the Salaf
"The best of people are my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them."
Sahih al-Bukhari (2652) and Sahih Muslim (2533).
"Follow my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided caliphs after me. Hold on to it and bite onto it with your molar teeth. Beware of newly invented matters, for every innovation (bid'ah) is misguidance."
Sunan Abu Dawood (4607) and Tirmidhi (2676).
"Whoever innovates into this matter of ours (Islam) that which is not part of it, it will be rejected."
Sahih al-Bukhari (2697) and Sahih Muslim (1718).
These narrations establish the importance of following the Quran and Sunnah as understood by the Salaf-us-Saleheen.
Sectarianism in Madhhabs: Sects, Sub-Sects, Aqeedah, and Tariqa
Hanafi School of Thought
Sects: Deobandi, Barelvi, Sufi Hanafi.
Sub-Sects
Deobandi offshoots like Tablighi Jamaat.
Barelvi with sub-sects like Qadiri, Chishti, etc.
Aqeedah
Deobandis lean towards Maturidi theology.
Barelvis emphasize Ash'ari-Maturidi theology with strong Sufi leanings.
Tariqa: Heavy Sufi influence, such as Qadiriyya, Chishtiyya, and Naqshbandiyya orders.
Shafi'i School of Thought
Sects: Mainstream Shafi'i, Ash'ari theology adherents.
Sub-Sects: Sufi orders like Shadhili, Rifa'i, etc.
Aqeedah: Strongly influenced by Ash'ari theology.
Tariqa: Sufi practices are common, with a focus on tasawwuf (spiritual purification).
Maliki School of Thought
Sects: Maliki mainstream with Ash'ari influence.
Sub-Sects: Sufi groups such as Tijaniyya and Sanusiyya.
Aqeedah: Primarily Ash'ari.
Tariqa: Sufi-oriented, emphasizing spiritual retreats and dhikr.
Hanbali School of Thought
Sects: Mainstream Hanbali and Athari theology adherents.
Sub-Sects: Some modern Salafi groups trace their roots here.
Aqeedah: Athari (literal interpretation of texts without metaphysical reinterpretation).
Tariqa: Historically less Sufi influence compared to other schools.
The Crisis of Sectarianism in Madhhabs
Blind adherence to madhhabs has resulted in:
Confusion: With multiple sects, sub-sects, and varying aqeedahs, Muslims are divided over whose interpretation to follow.
Contradictions: Within the Hanafi school alone, Deobandis and Barelvis have significant theological differences.
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