Disputing Orthodoxy: Debunking Common Misconceptions About the Four Imams of Sunni Sect

The concept of ldquo;the Four Imamsrdquo; or Sunni jurisprudencersquo;s foundational scholars (Imams Malik, Shafiiacute;u, Hanafi, and Hanbali) is often seen as an unchanging foundation for Islamic legal and moral frameworks. However, a critical examination of their teachings reveals significant inconsistencies with Quranic instructions, leading to the misguidance of the Muslim community. This article aims to highlight the divergence in their interpretations of core Islamic principles, such as punishment for adultery and apostasy, capital punishments, and spiritual laws, thereby questioning the supposed orthodoxy of their doctrines.

Introduction

The Sunni Muslim community reveres the Four Imams as legal authorities who are believed to have faithfully adhered to the teachings of the Quran and prophetic traditions. However, an unbiased review of their teachings uncovers several areas where their interpretations may deviate from the Quranic directives. This article aims to shed light on these differences, emphasizing that the Four Imams are not infallible and that their practices and teachings can sometimes be at odds with the Quranrsquo;s primary directive.

Adultery and Punishment

The Quran provides a clear and unambiguous punishment for adultery: “And those who accuse chaste women (of fornication and adultery without four witnesses or their own testimony); [indeed, they are] conceited in the sight of people, and [indeed, they are] sinners. So the punishment of them all shall be doubling the punishment, and they shall be confined to disgrace and abasement, and they shall have as portion from Allah, and Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. Those who accuse chaste women and produce not four witnesses, then flog them with one hundred lashes, and do not accept their testimony forever. They are indeed the disbelievers and sinners. And those who testify to it are a greater crime with Allah. So the punishment for them is expiation the like of their testimony [by] their fatherrsquo;s weight of coals. They shall dwell in a humiliating fire. And Allahrsquo;s punishment is (in) a warning.” (Quran 24:4-5).

In contrast, the four Imams introduced several additional and contradictory punishments for adultery, which are not found in the Quran. For example, Imam Malik proposed a punishment of exile for a single person convicted of adultery, while the Hanbali school of thought advocated for stoning. These additions neglect the Quranic directive, leading to unnecessary discrimination and harsher penalties than those mandated by the Quran.

Apostasy and Punishment

Quoting from the Quran, “There is no compulsion in [acceptance of] religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in tagh-tagh* and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Those who disbelieve in Allahrsquo;s signs and the meeting with Him, and try to make difference in His orders and wish to cause dissent in the land and to ruin, those will have the evil abode, and for them is a grievous punishment. But those who believe and do righteous deeds, for them is the garden and they will be provided with it timelessly, forever. And We carry out Our orders only for those who do wrong, those who disbelieve in Our signs, and die while they are disbelievers. Their abode is the blazing Fire because of what their hands have earned, and evil is that home for the evildoers. So give good news to My servants, Those who listen to the word and follow the best of it, those are who are witnesses and are the prophets. Those who have not come to you after reciting all the revelations of Allah, asking for forgiveness, nor are they disbelievers, for them there is no cause to fear and for them no sorrow. But take in your dwellings joyfully and glorify Allah for what has been given to you of the provision; and no one will encompass you from Him. Those who do good, it is for their benefit. And that is the clear victory.” (Quran 2:256-259).

The Four Imams instituted capital punishment or severe penalties for apostasy, which contradicts Quranic verses such as “Surely those who disbelieve in Allahrsquo;s signs and the meeting with Him, and wish to cause difference in His orders and wish to cause dissent in the land and to ruin, those will have the evil abode, and for them is a grievous punishment” (2:256). Furthermore, they contravene the Quranic directives of cleansing and repentance for those who stray from the fold of Islam.

Concepts of Punishment and Fiqh

The Four Imamsrsquo; legal interpretations often introduce harsh and unfounded regulations, such as the extended period for determining paternity dues to four years, as suggested by Malik, or the allowance of marriage between a man and his illegitimate daughter, as proposed by Shafiiacute;u. These doctrines are not supported by the Quran and instead rely on dubious hadiths, leading to the downfall of individuals and communities who adhere to such practices.

Similarly, the concept of the death penalty for deserters of prayers and the amputation of hands for theft, which are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, stem from the incorrect application of hadith stories. While the Quran clearly states, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and to the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.” (Quran 4:59).

Concluding Remarks

The misinterpretations and additional regulations introduced by the Four Imams of Sunni jurisprudence are not supported by the Quran and often contradict its teachings. Muslims are encouraged to examine these practices critically and ensure their adherence to the Quranrsquo;s primary directives. The responsibility to hold religious authorities accountable to the Quran remains with every individual and community, as highlighted in Quran 17:36, “Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Surely the hearing, the sight, the heart - each of these shall be called to account.”

It is imperative that Muslims seek guidance directly from the Quran and its righteous interpretations to ensure their actions and beliefs align with Allahrsquo;s instructions.