Episode (8): The Outweighing (2/2)
3 –
The training they received in matters of religious jurisprudence, so that they
became better placed than others to formulate legal opinions and independent
interpretation, as if what came from these as statement, formulated legal
opinion or action, does not go beyond guidance by a precedent (Sunnah), or
analogical reasoning about a precedent (Sunnah), so it was befitting to be
within the concept of Sunnah.
As-Shaatibi said: "The majority of scholars favoured the
companions when it came to weighting statements, a party among them has made
statements by Abu Bakr and Omar into argument and evidence, and some of them
counted the declarations of the four Successors as evidence, while some took the
statements of the companions as overall argument and evidence, and each of them
has a particular declaration relating to the Sunnah.
It is sufficient above all: what came in the Statements
regarding the duty to esteem them (the companions and the followers), to
reprehend those who loathe them, and that he who loves them loves the Prophet -
peace be upon him -, and he who loathes them loathes the Prophet - peace be upon
him -, not owing to the fact that they saw him, or were seen in his proximity,
or dialogued with him only, as there is no privilege in that, but it is due to
the intensity of their devotion to him, endeavouring themselves to enact his
Tradition, together with protecting and supporting him. Whoever achieved such a
status, is surely well worthy to be taken as an example to follow, and his
precedent be made a focal point to turn to."(9).
(9) Al-Muwaafaqaat
(4 / 456, 462, 463).
Please wait...