❖ The Sharʿi Ruling on the Consensus (
Source: Fatawa Ameenpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri
❖ Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on the consensus (ijmaʿ) of the People of Innovation (Ahl al-Bidʿah)?
❖ Answer:
Only the consensus of the true believers—those who adhere to the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah—is considered legally authoritative and binding (ḥujjah) in Islam.
The consensus of those involved in shirk, disbelief, or innovation holds no value in the Sharīʿah.
❖ Divine Evidence:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ﴾
(Surah al-Nisā’: 59)
"O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you."
This verse clearly indicates that obedience and religious leadership is confined to the believers, not those who deviate from the correct creed.
❖ Scholarly Explanation:
❀ Imam Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī رحمه الله (d. 606 AH) stated:
"دل هذا على أن العبرة بإجماع المؤمنين، فأما سائر الفرق الذين يشك فى إيمانهم فلا عبرة بهم."
"This verse is proof that only the consensus of the believers is to be considered. As for other sects whose faith is in doubt, their consensus is not valid."
(Tafsīr al-Rāzī: 10/118)
✔ Conclusion:
① Only the consensus of the people of sound faith (Ahl al-Sunnah) is accepted as a legitimate source of Islamic legislation.
② The views or consensus of Ahl al-Bidʿah, those whose beliefs deviate from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the understanding of the Salaf, carry no Sharʿi weight.
③ Ijmaʿ must be based on sound creed and valid interpretation of Islamic principles.
