and yet they differed with him on almost countless issues because evidence from the Sunnah and other proofs had become clear to them which they were obliged to follow. Nevertheless, they continued to hold their imam in high esteem. They are not to be called wavering.

Indeed, Abū Hanīfah and the other imams would adopt a view, then discover evidence contrary to it and follow that evidence. Such a person is not called wavering, for a person continues to seek knowledge and faith. When knowledge previously hidden from him becomes clear, he follows it. This is not someone wavering, but someone rightly guided whom Allah has increased in guidance.

Allah Most High said:

“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”

Every believer must therefore show loyalty to the believers and their scholars, seek the truth and follow it wherever he finds it, and recognize that whoever among these scholars exercises scholarly judgment and reaches the correct conclusion receives two rewards, while whoever exercises scholarly judgment and errs receives one reward for his effort, and his error is forgiven.

The believers must follow their imam when he does what is permissible, for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The imam has only been appointed to be followed.”

Whether he raises his hands or does not raise them, this neither impairs nor invalidates their prayer according to Abū Hanīfah, al-Shāfi‘ī, Mālik, or Ahmad. If the imam raises his hands but the person praying behind him does not, or vice versa, this does not impair the prayer of either. Likewise, if a man raises his hands on some occasions but not others, this does not impair his prayer.

No one may make the view of a particular scholar a banner of allegiance, requiring others to follow it and forbidding other practices established by the Sunnah. Rather, there is latitude in all the practices established by the Sunnah, such as the adhān and iqāmah—the call to prayer and the call to commence it. For