may be upheld if supported by evidence; for … (1) to the contrary, whereas a disputed view among later generations cannot … (2), because many such views were preceded by a consensus to the contrary, just as the scriptural texts indicate the contrary. Contradicting the consensus of the early generations is unquestionably erroneous.

Moreover, there is no question of religion that the early generations did not address. They must therefore have held a view that either contradicts or agrees with the view in question. We have explained at length elsewhere that their correct views are more numerous and better, and that their errors are less serious than those of later generations, whose errors are more numerous and more egregious. This applies to all the religious disciplines. There are many examples of this, more than can be exhaustively discussed here. Allah, glorified is He, knows best.

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It should also be understood that when the interpretation of the Quran and hadith is known from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, there is no need to consult the statements of language scholars on the matter. For once their interpretation and intended meaning are known from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, there is no need to adduce the statements of language scholars or anyone else as evidence. Hence