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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 38
and the Traditions relating to the Companions (athar al sahabah). Agreement, in
so far as it evinces usage, is a source. Like traditions relating to the Companions,
however, which also evince usage, agreement is a secondary source. This is
because the Companions have witnessed the Revelations and have, through
their close association with the Prophet - may Allah praise and venerate him - ,
comprehended what others have failed to see. Since, however, it is possible that
words will not fully express what has been comprehended the learned men have
deemed it fit to follow the example of the Companions and hold fast to their
traditions though on certain condition and in a special manner as the one
concerned may see. It is, however, not appropriate to discuss it in this chapter.
Second are the branches. They are what has been drawn from the sources, not
according to the literal meaning but through meanings, which are adduced by the
mind thereby widening the understanding until a meaning differing from the literal
is indicated, as is, for example, indicated by the words of the Prophet - may Allah
praise and venerate him - : “The judge should not sit in judgment while angry,”
namely, that he should not sit in judgment while constipated or hungry or
suffering from a painful disease. This last thing may be of two kinds: the first
so far as it evinces usage, is a source. Like traditions relating to the Companions,
however, which also evince usage, agreement is a secondary source. This is
because the Companions have witnessed the Revelations and have, through
their close association with the Prophet - may Allah praise and venerate him - ,
comprehended what others have failed to see. Since, however, it is possible that
words will not fully express what has been comprehended the learned men have
deemed it fit to follow the example of the Companions and hold fast to their
traditions though on certain condition and in a special manner as the one
concerned may see. It is, however, not appropriate to discuss it in this chapter.
Second are the branches. They are what has been drawn from the sources, not
according to the literal meaning but through meanings, which are adduced by the
mind thereby widening the understanding until a meaning differing from the literal
is indicated, as is, for example, indicated by the words of the Prophet - may Allah
praise and venerate him - : “The judge should not sit in judgment while angry,”
namely, that he should not sit in judgment while constipated or hungry or
suffering from a painful disease. This last thing may be of two kinds: the first