While he was once presented with forty-eight questions he answered only six of them

والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلاَمُ عَلَى سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ أَشْرَفِ اْلمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ الطَّيّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْن

It has been recounted that Imam Malik was once presented with forty-eight questions. While he answered only six of them, he replied to the remaining inquiries, "I do not know." This deliberate answer aimed to instil in people the importance of seeking Allah's approval in both teaching and learning religious science. Furthermore, it served as a clear lesson in humility, imparting the importance of acknowledging one's limitations and gracefully admitting when one does not possess the answer, particularly if lacking a valid transmission.

Indeed, Imam Malik's deliberate decision to refrain from answering certain questions served as a profound lesson. It highlighted the significance of exercising caution and humility in matters of religion, even when one possesses the capability to respond. By demonstrating the acceptability of saying "I don't know," Imam Malik underscored the value of acknowledging one's limitations, regardless of one's scholarly stature. Regrettably, in today's era, many individuals, far removed from the level of scholarship exemplified by the illustrious Imam of Medina, often feel compelled to provide answers to religious queries beyond their expertise, merely to avoid appearing ignorant.

Imam Ahmad relayed from Ash-Shafi^iyy, tracing the chain back through Imam Malik to Muhammad Ibnu ^Ajlan, the shaykh of Imam Malik, who said:

"إذا أغفل العالم لا أدري فقد أصيبت مقاتله"

"If the scholar omits the phrase 'I do not know,' he exposes himself to the path that leads to his downfall"

The mujtahid provides jurisprudential opinions based on their independent reasoning and effort in extracting laws. Conversely, if one is not a mujtahid, they do not have the authority to provide legal opinions unless they rely on the jurisprudential opinion of a mujtahid Imam. This reliance may stem from a textual statement by the Imam or an opinion derived by scholars of the Imam's school from his texts.

Hence, if an individual is queried about a judgment regarding which they lack knowledge, they should not overlook or omit the phrase "I do not know."

It was reported from our master ^Aliyy that when asked about something, he responded:

"وا بردها على الكبِدِ أنْ أسأَلَ عن شىء لا علمَ لي به فأقولَ لا أدري"

(wa bardaha ^ala l-kabidi ‘an ‘us’ala ^an shay’in la ^ilma li bihi fa’aqula la ‘adri)

[reported by Hafidh Al-^Asqalaniyy dans son Takhrij of the original Mukhtasar of Ibnu l-Hajib]

This means, "What a relief it is to be asked about something I do not know and to answer, 'I do not know'".

Imam Malik’s reputation

Imam Ash-Shafi^iyy aptly remarked on Imam Malik: "When the scholars are mentioned, Malik is like a star among them," underscoring his position as the foremost reference. Yahya Ibnu Sa^id Al-Qattan said, "Malik is the Emir of the believers in hadith". Furthermore, Ibnu Sa^id lauded Imam Malik's character, stating: "Malik was trustworthy, honest, reliable, and meticulous.

‘He was a specialist in jurisprudence, deeply learned, and possessed formidable argumentative skills.’

Among what is reported about Imam Malik

Many scholars among the successors of the companions asserted that Imam Malik is the one the Prophet aimed when announcing the glad tidings:

((يوشِكُ أنْ يَضْرِبَ النَّاسُ أكبادَ الإِبِلِ فلا يَجِدُونَ أَعْلَمَ مِنْ عالمِ المدينة))

(yushaku ‘an yadriba n-nasu ‘akbada l-‘ibili fala yajiduna ‘a^lama min ^alimi l-madinah)

"There will soon come a time when people will embark on journeys and find no one more knowledgeable than the scholar of Madinah."

Hence, many scholars have identified Imam Malik as the scholar from Madinah mentioned in this hadith.

He took examples from the best people

Imam Malik Ibnu Anas was among those who glorified the Prophet and respected him immensely. Mus^ab, the son of ^Abdu l-Lah, stated: "Upon mention of the Prophet to Malik, his countenance would visibly alter, and he would incline in profound humility to such an extent that it proved burdensome for his attendants. When queried about this, he responded: 'Had you witnessed what I have witnessed, you would not question my demeanour. I have beheld Muhammad Ibnu l-Munkadir, preeminent among recitation scholars. Never was a hadith-related question posed to him without eliciting tears until we, out of compassion, refrained. Likewise, Ja^far Ibnu Muhammad, though often seen with a smile. Upon invocation of the Prophet's name, his visage would pale. And never did he relay the Prophet's words without performing ablution. I frequented his abode on numerous occasions, finding him consistently engaged in prayer, contemplation, or Qur'an recitation. He spoke only of pertinent matters, exemplifying erudition, piety, and reverence for Allah ^azza wa jall.'"