Influence Of The Hadith Upon Differences of Imams

Influence of The Noble Hadith Upon Differences of Opinion Amongst The Jurist Imams  - A Translation of Shaykh Muhammad Awwamah's Athar al-Hadith al-Sharif fi Ikhtilaf al-A'immah al-Fuqaha.

A question commonly posed in different circles is: if we all
refer to the same sacred texts of the Quran and Sunnah for guidance, why are
there so many differences between the schools of Islamic law (madhahib)? In
other words, why did the great jurists (fuqaha) of Islam such as the four main
Imams and their students differ in their opinions and rulings? This work
attempts to answer this very question, focusing on one aspect, namely: how
different understandings of the hadith literature influenced and shaped these
differences in opinion. In addition, the author responds to some of the
misgivings and objections which some people levy against these distinguished
luminaries of Islam.

This valuable work is a must-read for students of hadith and
fiqh, as well as anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of the
differences that occur between the various schools of Islamic law. It will
alert the reader to the expertise of the jurist Imams and the effort they
exerted in deriving rulings from the Quran and Sunnah. It will also create in
him a state of serenity and trust towards the Imams and their schools of law,
which are followed by the vast majority of the Muslim Ummah.

"In benefitting from it my soul delighted and my heart was
gladdened. Every teacher and student ought to study it, for it averts deviation
and oppression and delivers from the criticism directed at the Imams by those
who harbour enmity towards them and those who are deprived [of good].

Mawlana Muhammad Zakariya al-Kandahlawi

"I have derived from it some valuable benefits and call upon
Allah to give its author unceasing success, and increasing ascendancy, that he
may refute those who have deviated from the clear path by calling people to
confusion regarding the followed Imams, who disregard the Imams, and who
undertake to tear apart the Ummah.

Shaykh Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah

"A book I have heard many say is worthy of being inscribed
in gold. Undoubtedly, a long awaited translation in English that will help to
illuminate many minds.

Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera

View Sample pages here

English translation by Mariam Madge Conlan