Clashes between People of Traditions (hadeeths) with People of Opinions (ra'y)

Next, the author presented a few of the frivolous cases brought forward by the people of ra'y (opinion) to stump their opponent (people of hadeeths). 

The people of opinions were motivated to show the usefulness of their approach (qiyas/analogical framework) by highlighting what they deem weakness of traditionalists (a huge dependency on traditions/hadeeths). Is the historical information from the life of the Holy Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his pure family) sufficient to legislate newer Islamic laws for different circumstances/life situation?

The ahl al-Hadeeth(people of hadeeths/traditions) had their own strategy to deal with such nonsense. 

• Ibn Masruq would refuse to answer any hypothetical questions put forward to him until the case actually happened.
   
• Ibn Masud urged people not to compare one thing with another, using the analogy. He said that one third of the knowledge is saying 'I don't know'.

• Another member of ahl al hadeeth mockingly told his questioner that their job was to pass legal judgment and not satisfy the curious minded. And then proceed to tell the other guy to get lost.
 

Continue reading part eight