Question
Is it considered derogatory to describe the Hanafis as the school of opinion, or is it merely a classification between two groups? Should we refrain from questioning anyone who refers to them as people of opinion?
Answer
I say, and with God's success: This division into people of opinion and people of hadith is corrupt; the first to originate it was Muhammad Rashid Rida, and there is no basis for it in truth; it is merely illusions. I have elaborated on this in the book "The Detailed Introduction to the Study of the Hanafi School" so it should be reviewed. Among the later scholars, this name is applied to it due to their precise understanding, deep thought, and proficiency in jurisprudence, and God knows best.