Is it true that Imam Malik considered the consensus of the people of Madinah to be a binding proof, and is it considered a binding proof for the entire Ummah?

Answer Summary:

First: Imam Malik valued the practice of the people of Madinah and considered it a proof (hujjah), owing to their unique connection with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the revelation and promulgation of the Quran among them. This is because they inherited a Sunnah that no one else can claim.

Second: Imam Malik's intention was to refer to the practice of the people of Madinah that was akin to transmitted knowledge (naql), as well as their ancient practices from the time of the Companions. However, their practices after that era, or those they arrived at through deduction and ijtihad (independent reasoning), are not considered an inviolable proof. Rather, their utmost status is to be a preponderant factor. This is the view held by meticulous Maliki scholars.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah affirms that the practice of the people of Madinah which is transmitted knowledge is a proof by the consensus of Muslims.