What is the methodology of Imam al-Shawkani in jurisprudence and creed?
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The questioner : The creed of Imam al-Shawkani, and what distinguishes his jurisprudence in his books such as "Nayl al-Awtar" and "al-Sayl al-Jarrar" and other books?
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that Imam al-Shawkani was a mujtahid (a scholar qualified to derive rulings) with a firm foundation in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). He was a mujtahid in matters of 'aqidah (creed) as well, not just in legal rulings. His creed was predominantly Salafi, but the words of Imam Malik are true when he said: "None of us is there who has not been refuted and refuted others, except the one in this grave," and he pointed to the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He had some views that contradicted the way of the Salaf, but this is excused for him because the majority of his creed conformed to the creed of the righteous Salaf.
What comes to mind now as one of his anomalies is that he permits seeking nearness to Allah through a means (tawassul) via the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), naturally this is after his death (peace be upon him). He cites as evidence for this the well-known and famous hadith of the blind man among students of knowledge in this era, which does not indicate anything other than seeking nearness through the supplication of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his intercession.
So, his knowledge is studied from all his books, and many issues are derived from them that some scholars, let alone students of knowledge, overlook. However, one should look at that in conjunction with evidence so as not to fall into any of the errors that he, we, and others who study knowledge may fall into, for infallibility belongs to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and to no one else. Yes, please proceed.
The questioner : In the name of Allah, and may prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that Imam al-Shawkani was a mujtahid (a scholar qualified to derive rulings) with a firm foundation in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). He was a mujtahid in matters of 'aqidah (creed) as well, not just in legal rulings. His creed was predominantly Salafi, but the words of Imam Malik are true when he said: "None of us is there who has not been refuted and refuted others, except the one in this grave," and he pointed to the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He had some views that contradicted the way of the Salaf, but this is excused for him because the majority of his creed conformed to the creed of the righteous Salaf.
What comes to mind now as one of his anomalies is that he permits seeking nearness to Allah through a means (tawassul) via the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), naturally this is after his death (peace be upon him). He cites as evidence for this the well-known and famous hadith of the blind man among students of knowledge in this era, which does not indicate anything other than seeking nearness through the supplication of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his intercession.
So, his knowledge is studied from all his books, and many issues are derived from them that some scholars, let alone students of knowledge, overlook. However, one should look at that in conjunction with evidence so as not to fall into any of the errors that he, we, and others who study knowledge may fall into, for infallibility belongs to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and to no one else. Yes, please proceed.
The questioner : In the name of Allah, and may prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.