others. In fact, among the Shāfi'īs, Mālikīs, Hanafīs, Sufis, adherents of hadith, and speculative theologians of the Imāmiyyah and other groups, there are those who use such expressions in ways that no Hanbalī goes so far as to do. Whatever form of excess is found among some Hanbalīs, greater excess of the same kind is found among other groups. This is documented in books on sectarian doctrines, books on the Sunnah, and works of speculative theology, and is evident among the known communities of humankind.

We have discussed this elsewhere and explained its reason: Imam Ahmad’s contributions to expounding the foundations of religion, establishing the teachings of the Sunnah and the Sharia in these matters—the teachings upheld by the community of believers—demonstrating the evidence for them in the Book, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus, and refuting the adherents of deviant doctrines and innovations who oppose the Book and the Sunnah in these matters, were greater than those of others. This was because he was subjected to greater trials in this regard than others, and because a greater body of the traditions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, his Companions, their Successors, and the imams after them reached him than