The comparison between Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and al-Muwaqqif Ibn Qudamah, and whether we should call them Imams.

The Shaykh : Some scholars have even said that Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah qualified for absolute independent legal reasoning (ijtihad). In any case, my intention is only in the spirit of jesting, and because some people say things without giving them proper weight. I believe that if we describe al-Muwaqqif as an Imam, then Shaykh al-Islam is undoubtedly more deserving of that title. Anyone who looks into his fiqh (may Allah have mercy on him) and his words on creed will see that he is truly an Imam. However, I do not think we should call him an Imam; indeed, we do not even see Ibn Taymiyyah as being called an Imam. Yes, that is correct.