in particular questions where the proof has become manifest and the argument conclusive, he must not imitate his own imam; rather, he acts upon what has been demonstrated to be correct and follows the other imam on the basis of evidence, not on the basis of whim or self-interest.

Yet he should issue fatwas to the general public only according to the school of his own imam; otherwise he should keep silent about matters whose proof is hidden from him.

Al-Shafi‘i said, “Knowledge revolves around three men: Malik, al-Layth, and Ibn ‘Uyaynah.”

I say: Rather, it revolves around seven others along with them: al-Awza‘i, al-Thawri, Ma‘mar, Abu Hanifah, Shu‘bah, and the two Hammads.

It is reported from al-Awza‘i that whenever he mentioned Malik he would say, “The scholar of the scholars and the mufti of the Two Sanctuaries.”

Baqiyyah said, “No one remains on the face of the earth more knowledgeable of the established Sunnah than you, O Malik.”

Abu Yusuf said, “I have never seen anyone more learned than Abu Hanifah, Malik, and Ibn Abi Layla.”

Ahmad ibn Hanbal mentioned Malik and ranked him above al-Awza‘i, al-Thawri, al-Layth, Hammad, and al-Hakam in knowledge, saying, “He is an imam in hadith and in fiqh.”

Al-Qattan said, “He is an imam who is to be followed.”

Ibn Ma‘in said, “Malik is one of Allah’s proofs against His creation.”

Asad ibn al-Furat said, “If you seek Allah and the Hereafter, then hold fast to Malik.”