a foundation, even if its proponent is excused—indeed, rewarded—for exercising independent judgment or following an authority.

Whoever bases scholarly discussion of fundamentals and subsidiary matters on the Quran, the Sunnah and the reports transmitted from the early predecessors has followed the prophetic path. Likewise, whoever bases aspiration, worship, action and listening—in relation to the fundamentals and particulars of practice, encompassing states of the heart and bodily actions—on faith, the Sunnah and the guidance followed by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his Companions, has followed the prophetic path. This is the way of the leading scholars of guidance.

Thus, when Imam Ahmad discusses the foundations of the Sunnah, you find him saying: “They consist in holding fast to the way followed by the Companions of Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.” He compiled works of Quranic commentary based on what was transmitted from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, the Companions and the Successors. He also recorded hadiths and reports transmitted from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, the Companions and the Successors. These are what he relies upon in the fundamentals and subsidiary matters of his scholarship. He even said in his letter to al-Mutawakkil, the caliph of his time:

“I do not like to speak about any of these matters except on the basis of what is in Allah’s Book or in a report from Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, or from the Companions or the Successors. As for anything beyond that, discussing it is not praiseworthy.”