Al-La Madhhabiyya: Abandoning The Schools Of Law Is The Most Dangerous Innovation

In the last century, a movement has appeared calling for the abandonment of the traditional schools of law [madhahib]. This misleading call, which scholars have termed Al-La Madhhabiyya, was presented as ‘following the Quran and the Sunna’ and caused much confusion amongst ordinary Muslims. One of the sources for the spread of this innovation was a book written by Muhammad Sultan al-Ma'sumi al-Khajnadi al-Makki, which was translated and distributed to English and published as ‘Should a Muslim Follow a Particular Madhhab?’ and ‘The Blind Following of Madhhabs’. 

It was in response to this book, taught and revered by prominent opponents of the schools of law, that Shaykh al-Buti first wrote his groundbreaking work. Later editions of this work, the translation of which we have before us, included the aftermath of various debates Shaykh al-Buti was subsequently challenged to by his opponents and also incorporated counter-replies to the likes of Shaykh Nasir al-Din al-Albani, Muhammad ‘Id `Abbasi, Mahmud Mahdi al-Istanbuli and Khayr al-Din Wanli.

This book is a decisive refutation of those who call to the misguidance of abandoning the schools of law, for it is the most dangerous innovation threatening the Sacred Law.

About The Author

• Born in 1929 in the village of Jilka in the Turkish boundaries, north of Iraq and immigrated to Damascus.
• Completed his legal secondary study in the Institute of Islamic Guidance in Damascus, and joined the faculty of religion at Al-Azhar University.
• Appointed as dean in the faculty of religion at Damascus University in 1960, and deputed to Al-Azhar University to attain a doctorate in the roots of the Islamic law.
• Appointed as an instructor in the college of law of Damascus University in 1965, as a deputy of the college later on and as its dean in the end.
• Participated, in many global conferences and symposia, and is, in addition, a member in the royal society of the Islamic Civilization Researches in Amman, and member in the higher board of Oxford Academy.