Among the practical illustrations of how Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamāʿah apply this methodology—particularly in their dealings with those in authority—is the position taken by Imām Aḥmad, the Imām of the Sunnah, may Allah have mercy on him. A group of the jurists of Baghdad came to consult him about refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of the caliph al-Wāthiq, who had openly propagated the doctrine that the Qur’an is created. Al-Wāthiq called people to this belief, ordered that it be taught to children in the elementary schools (kuttāb), brought close to him judges and others who espoused it, and dismissed and banished those who opposed it.

Imām Aḥmad condemned their intention and repeatedly forbade them, saying:
“Do not withdraw your hand from obedience; do not fracture the unity of the Muslims; do not shed your own blood or the blood of other Muslims. Consider carefully the consequences of your course of action, and do not act rashly….”

Such was his counsel—the counsel of a wise Sunni scholar—yet they disregarded it, and events then unfolded as they did.

Hanbal ibn Isḥāq ibn Ḥanbal said: “…When al-Wāthiq openly…”