QUESTIONING THE POSITION AND STATUS OF IBN TAIMIYYAH IN THE HANBALI SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

For centuries, polemic over Ibnu Taimiyyah (661-728H) has generated cross-generational tension among supporters and opponents. Those believed Ibn to be ma'shum,surpassed Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, unilaterally ordained him as khatim al-mujtahidin. A claim which ignores Sunnis scholars’ epistemic criticism across the school of thought generations, including a critical assessment internal Hanbali itself. Such Rajab (736-795H); al-Mardawi (817-885H); Najjar (898-972H); al-Buhuti (1000-1051H); al-Safaraini (1114-1188H). By employing interdisciplinary approach analyzing primary sources, result study revealed that one consensuses is clear enough. When there dispute results tarjihformulation in ushuland furu', hierarchy referential authority following; first,Imam Hanbal; second, Qudamah al-Maqdisi al-Hanbali; third,Al-Majd al-Din Abi al-Barakat al-Taimi; fourth,Ibn Muflih fifth,Ibnu sixth,Ibnu Hamdan seventh,Taqiyy Taimiyyah; eighth,Ibn ‘Abdus al-Hanbali. Considering its various controversies, leading scholars positioned seventh rank thought's emphasized was not only bearing title sheikh al-Islamwithin thought.