Question

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) said: “I would spend three years thinking about one question before coming to a firm conclusion.”

Is there any reference for this quote?

 

Answer

Imam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah).

Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal (rahimahullah) said: “At times, I would spend three years [pondering/researching over] an issue before coming to a firm conclusion.”

(Manaqibul Imam Ahmad, pg. 359)

 

This demonstrates the piety and extreme measure of caution Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) would exercise at times before coming to a conclusive verdict.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Fiqh Imam Ahmad Manaqibul Imam Ahmad Moulana Suhail Motala Statements of the pious