Is the indication of consensus stronger than the indication of the Qur’an and Sunnah regarding rulings?
Some scholars, such as Al-Ghazali and Al-Shawkani, prioritize consensus (Ijma') over the Qur'an and , because consensus is not subject to abrogation, unlike the Qur'an and Sunnah. Ibn al-Qayyim refuted this view, emphasizing the precedence of authentic revelatory texts over consensus, because it is much easier for a mujtahid (independent jurist) to know what the Qur'an and Sunnah indicate than to know the agreement of people. Furthermore, imams like Imam Ahmad, Al-Shafi'i, and Abu Hatim Al-Razi believe in prioritizing the Qur'an and Sunnah over consensus, placing consensus in the third rank, as it is not permissible to claim absolute consensus, for there may be a disagreement unknown to the claimant.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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