may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do. At times, an imam performs an action as an act of worship and religious devotion, indicating that he regards it as recommended. Whether he regards it as preferable to its alternatives, however, requires further consideration.

When he acts without intending worship, there are two views on what his action indicates. Accordingly, drawing conclusions from reports of the imams’ various practices of devotion, renunciation, and scrupulousness depends on several preliminary considerations:

First: Does he regard these practices as good, such that he would state this and issue fatwas accordingly? Or did he perform them without holding such a belief, merely following someone else’s example or out of forgetfulness? The same two views apply here as in the case of permissible acts.

Second: Does he have an inclination toward these practices that accords with his belief? A man’s natural disposition often runs counter to his belief.

Third: Does he regard that practice as better than its alternatives, or does he take the less excellent course for other permissible purposes? The former is more likely.

Fourth: Does he regard it as preferable without qualification, or only in certain circumstances? Allah knows best.