Why is scholarly consensus (Ijma') exclusive to scholars and not to the entire Ummah, despite the Hadith: "My Ummah would not agree upon anything except that it would be good for them," noting that there are imams who have abandoned the Qur'an, so are these among the Ummah?

The issue of Ijma' (consensus) being exclusive to mujtahid (independent reasoning) scholars, without considering the common folk, is well-known. The correct and relied-upon view is that Ijma' is only valid based on the opinions of the mujtahidīn. Scholars have differed on whether considering the opinion of the common folk is a verbal or real matter.

Al-Ghazali holds that those who form the consensus are the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him), and this includes the mujtahidīn. As for children and the insane, their exclusion is clear. The accountable common folk are included in the general Ijma' which both commoners and elites participate in understanding, such as prayer and fasting. However, in intricate matters, the common folk follow the mujtahidīn.

If a common person opposes the consensus of the elite, their opposition is not considered an impediment to the formation of the Ijma', because they are not qualified to seek the correct answer. The Companions unanimously agreed not to consider the opposition of the common folk in this regard.

As for the Hadith, "My Ummah has not agreed upon anything except that it is good for them," it has not been narrated with this wording. What is narrated is: "Indeed, Allah will not gather my Ummah upon error," and there is difference regarding its authenticity.

Interpreting the word "Ummah" in the Hadith of Ijma' to refer exclusively to mujtahid scholars does not mean restricting the term to them in all contexts. "Ummah" can refer to the Ummah of Da'wah (all humanity) and the Ummah of Ijabah (the believers). One who abandons the Qur'an, if they are Muslim, is part of the Ummah of Ijabah.

As for the Hadiths about those who will be driven away from the Hawd (Prophet's Pond), there is no mention in them of those who abandoned the Qur'an. Many scholars hold that those who will be driven away are the apostates from Islam, or those who committed major sins and innovations, or the hypocrites.