Scholarly disagreement:
The three Imams—Abu Hanifah, Malik, and al-Shafi‘i—and their followers maintain that eating camel meat does not require ablution.
Al-Nawawi remarks: “Our companions based their view on weak reports when set against these two authentic hadiths, and it seems those hadiths never reached Imam al-Shafi‘i in a sound form; hence his statement, ‘If the hadith concerning camel meat is authentic, I will adopt it.’”
In another place al-Nawawi adds: “Perhaps they never heard the explicit texts, or were unaware of the underlying reason.”
Imam Ahmad and his adherents, however, hold that ablution is nullified by eating camel meat; this is also the position of Ishaq ibn Rahuyah.
Al-Khattabi says: “The vast majority of hadith scholars have embraced this opinion.”
Ibn Khuzaymah states: “We have observed no disagreement among the hadith specialists.”
Al-Bayhaqi indicated his preference for this view, chose it, and defended it.
Al-Shafi‘i declared: “If the hadith about camel meat is authentic, I follow it.”
Al-Bayhaqi commented: “Two authentic hadiths exist on this matter.”
Al-Nawawi writes in al-Majmu‘: “The earlier Shafi‘i position is that it does invalidate ablution; in terms of evidence, this is the stronger view, and it is the one I personally deem preponderant.”
The proof for nullification rests on these two sound hadiths:

1. The hadith of al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked, ‘Should we perform ablution after eating camel meat?’ He answered, ‘Yes.’ They asked, ‘And after eating mutton?’ He replied, ‘No.’” Reported by Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah.
2. The hadith of Jabir ibn Samurah: A man asked the Prophet ﷺ, “Should we perform ablution after eating mutton?” He said, “If you wish.” The man then asked, “Should we perform ablution after eating camel meat?” He replied, “Yes.” Recorded by Muslim.