We request clarification of the statement of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah: "And among the principles of the people of the Sunnah is following the athar (reports) of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)."
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The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : First, may Allah reward you. The words of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah are not a text that is necessarily correct; he may err or he may be right. Second: We know that when Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "And among the principles of the Sunnah and the community is following the athar (reports) of the Prophet", the intended meaning is his Shari'ah and his Sunnah. There is no doubt about this. It does not mean his physical footprints. No.
The Shaykh : First, may Allah reward you. The words of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah are not a text that is necessarily correct; he may err or he may be right. Second: We know that when Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "And among the principles of the Sunnah and the community is following the athar (reports) of the Prophet", the intended meaning is his Shari'ah and his Sunnah. There is no doubt about this. It does not mean his physical footprints. No.