The Source of the Four Madhhabs

Question

In order to be counted among the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama‘a, is it necessary to follow one of the four madhhabs — Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki or Hanbali — or not? If it is necessary, then let it be proven from the Book and the Sunna which of the mujtahid imams one should follow. What proof is there in Islam for these four madhhabs?

Answer

The Noble Prophet ﷺ declared correct and right the way of: [ar]مَا أَنَا عَلَيْهِ وَأَصْحَابِي[/ar] “That which I and my Companions are upon.” This is a general ruling; then, among the madhhabs that were codified in detail, the madhhabs of the four imams are the most in conformity with “that which I and my Companions are upon”.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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