Lifting blame from the great imams

Author's name: Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah

Lifting Blame from the Great Imams is a book written by Ibn Taymiyyah, the title of which is indicative of its content: Lifting Blame from the Great Imams. In it, he discusses the reasons for the differences between the scholars of the Ummah regarding some branches of Islamic jurisprudence, and explains that this does not diminish their stature or value, nor is it based on personal desires. The motivation behind writing this book was the blame that some people had for some scholars of the Ummah for contradicting some of the hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The goal of this book was to lift that blame from them and justify their stance. It was necessary to clarify the matter to the people, and that this blame was a false statement. Ibn Taymiyyah is specifically addressing the scholars of the Ummah, not just any seeker of knowledge who might make mistakes and repeat them on his own. Concerning this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Judges are of three types: two judges in Hell, and one judge in Paradise. The one in Paradise is a man who knew the truth and acted upon it. The two in Hell are a man who judged people out of ignorance, and a man who knew the truth but judged contrary to it.”
Ibn Taymiyyah said in the book: It should be known that none of the imams intentionally contradicted the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, for they are in absolute agreement on the obligation to follow the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, and that everyone’s statement may be accepted or abandoned except the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace. However, if one of them has a statement that has been proven to be false by a saheeh hadeeth, then he must have an excuse for abandoning it.
The importance of the book
In it, Ibn Taymiyyah defended the rationale behind the differences in fatwas between the imams of the Islamic nation, a matter of great importance to Muslims, given the necessity of ensuring the steadfastness and firmness of the piety and worthiness of those from whom they learn their religion.
It was stated in the book Al-Jarh wa Al-Ta’dil: (And among the most beneficial books written on this subject is the book “Lifting Blame from the Eminent Imams”…, for if it were in China, it would be worthy of being traveled to and of being held accountable for it. May God have mercy on those who make excuses for the Imams and know that their striving is only for the truth and guidance.)
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz said regarding the excuses of the jurists: (As the great Imam Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may God have mercy on him, explained in detail in his noble book “Lifting Blame from the Great Imams.” He did a good job in it and provided useful information, and clarified the excuses of the scholars for what they contradicted in the Sharia. So, let it be reviewed, as it is very beneficial for the seeker of truth.)
It was stated in the explanation of Sunan Abi Dawood: “Scholars have written books on this subject and have apologized for the imams if authentic hadiths were found that contradicted what one of them saw. Among the best things written on this subject is a valuable treatise by Ibn Taymiyyah, may God have mercy on him, called “Lifting Blame from the Eminent Imams.”