Imam and Hadith Scholars
2 total works
This book is the first in `The Imams and Hadith Scholars Series', which aims to survey the verdicts of the scholars on the concept of innovation (bida) according to the Sharia. The statements of 45 Imams have been provided, presented in chronological order. By taking this approach, the author, his eminence, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, has shown that from the time of the Pious Predecessors to the current age, the Imams and Hadith Scholars have consistently stated not all innovations are condemned and rejected outright. Rather, only those innovations that contradict the Qur'an and Sunna and do not have a basis in the Sharia are rejected. What is more, the author has splendidly shown in this constructive and resourceful book that despite the differences in terminology and wordings, virtually all the scholars agreed with one another with regards to the division of bida into two principal kinds: one kind that is accepted by the Sharia and the other that is not.
The doctrine of tawassul (intermediation) is one of the most contested creedal issues of our time. There is no disagreement on using one's righteous deeds as a means of approach as it is unanimously agreed upon by every school of thought. However, in the contemporary era, an objection is being raised over the permissibility of taking the Prophets, Saints and righteous as a means of approach - despite the fact majority of the Imams are in agreement on its legality. To make matters worse, the minority raising this objection is falsely accusing the majority of committing shirk on account of this acceptable practice. With such a backdrop, the author, his eminence, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, has compiled this book, citing the practice and statements of 93 authoritative scholars from the generation of the Companions to the present day. In doing so, the author shows the unity of thought and the uninterrupted practice of the Umma with regards to the permissibility of adopting the Prophets, Saints and righteous as a means of approach.