Among Muslim scholars with different tendencies and convictions one may distinguish those who, in expressing a formal legal opinion
(fatwa) or passing a doctrinal judgement, relied, after the Koran, only on the tradition (ahadith) of the Prophet and the "virtuous predecessors"
(salaf - e - saleh), and those rationalist who accepted the Prophetic
traditions only if there were accordant with reason. Another group, the sufis, were more inclined to meditation, spiritual insight, and ectasies in
their search for real truth.
There was still another group, few in number, who showed
contradictory tendencies. Abu Mansur who combind Hanbali dogmatism
mystical beliefs and Sufic dancing (saran^ ‘), belonged to this group.
)