These four imams were Imam Abu Hanifa (699-767 AD), Imam Shafa'i (767-820 AD), Imam Hambal (780-855 AD) and Imam Malik (711-795 AD). hanafi Those who believe in Imam Abu Hanifa are called Hanafis.
Shia Hadiths say Imam Mahdi (as) will be martyred after around 3 centuries of rule. The Imams (as) have taught that the earth cannot be without a Hujjah i.e a Prophet (S) or Imam (as). Someone who represents the authority of Allah. The Khalifa of God on Earth, as mentioned in Quran 2:30.
They follow Imam Abu Hanifa and hold the beliefs of Ahl-e-Sunnah wal-Jamaat and associate themselves to Hazrat Shah Waliullah and his pupils and their disciples like Hazrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi and Hazrat Maulana Qasim Nanotawi.
The differences among the Imams are divided into three stages. The first involves contradictory narrations [riwayat]; in other words, the apparent contradictions between the words and deeds of Allah's Messenger (PBUH). The second stage deals with the contradictions found in the athar , meaning the apparent contradictions between the
However, Shafiite scholar Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani defended the title of Shaykh al Islam for Ibn Taymiyyah, saying in his own words, " His status as imam, sheikh, Taqiyuddin Ibn Taimiyah, is brighter than the sun. And his title with Shaykhul Islam, we still often hear from holy orals until now, and will continue to survive tomorrow.."
Aalim and a Moulana both refer to a learned person. Imam means leader - generally used for one who leads the congregation in Salat. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best . Mufti Ebrahim Desai. Original Source Link
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difference between maulana and imam