Biography of the Four Imaams – Ihyaaud Deen https://ihyaauddeen.co.za An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:40:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=7173 Thu, 11 Dec 2014 05:16:29 +0000 http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=7173 Introduction

Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was born in the year 164 A.H., and passed away on the morning of Friday, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, 241 A.H. at the age of 77. [1]

His Expertise

A reputed Muhaddith, Ebrahim Al-Harbi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) (d.285 A.H.) says: “I had the opportunity of seeing Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). It seemed as if his heart was a treasure-chest containing all the knowledge granted to human beings, past and present. He could reveal whatever he saw relevant, and hold back what he did not desire to divulge.” Abu Zur’ah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was a Hafiz of one million Ahaadith.” Someone asked: “How do you know?” He said: “I revised with him, and noted the chapters from him.” Imaam Abdurrazzaaq said: “I never saw anyone greater in Fiqh and Wara’ (caution in matters of Deen) than Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal.”[2]

Harmala has reported that I heard Imaam Shaafiee say: “At the time when I left Baghdaad, I did not leave any person behind who was greater than Imaam Ahmad in knowledge and Fiqh.”[3]

Ali bin Madeeni (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “At the time of crisis, Allah Ta’ala had supported this Deen with two personalities. With Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu Anhu) on the day when the tribes had turned apostate, and with Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) at the time the Ummah was tested with the fitnah of Khalqul Qur’an.[4]

Muhammad bin Hammaad At Tahraani said that I heard Abu Thaur say: “Imaam Ahmad was greater than Sufyaan Thauri in Fiqh.”[5]

Ibn Ma’een (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “People wish that I become like Imaam Ahmad. I take a qasm in the name of Allah Ta’ala, I can never be like Imaam Ahmad.[6]

His Humility and Character

Muhammad ibnul-Hasan ibn Haroon said: “I saw Abu Abdillah (Imaam Ahmad) when he was walking. He disliked that anyone should follow him.”[7]

Imaam Yahya ibn Ma’in (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “I never saw the like of Imaam Ahmad. We accompanied him for fifty years. He never once flaunted himself for the good that he possessed.”[8]

Trials and Tribulations

Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was unimaginably harassed and tortured by the rulers of his time. During Ramadhaan 221 A.H. when he was 57 years of age, he was prisoned by Mu’tasim and lashed. This was only due to a mas’ala which he adhered to, which some of the deviant sects did not concur with. (i.e. the issue of khalqul Qur’an). He was lashed eighteen severe lashes, which caused him to lose consciousness. Thereafter he was thrown down upon his face, a mat was placed over him, and his body was trampled. When he regained consciousness and food was placed before him, he refused to eat as he was fasting. Each one of those who took part or witnessed the lashing was forgiven by him, except those who were in deviance. He used to say: “What benefit do you derive out of your Muslim brother being punished because of you?” Later, Allah Ta’ala guided Mu’tasim, who thus repented and showed tremendous remorse over his behaviour.”[9]

The Period after the Trial

The Caliph Mutawakkil succeeded Caliph Waathiq in 232 A.H. He held Imaam Ahmad in high esteem, but Imaam Ahmad remained cautious since he regarded the favours of the king as a temptation towards evil. Once Mutawakkil sent him a bag of ten thousand dirhams and about two hundred dinaars. It was emphasized that he should accept it lest the king would be offended if the gift was refused. Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) did not even look at it. At Maghrib time, he called his son Saalih and said, “Keep this by you.”

Before dawn the next morning, Imaam Ahmad called for his son who immediately came. He said to him, “I haven’t slept last night”, and began to weep. He continued, “All my life I remained safe from the rulers and kings. Now, in old age, I am being tested with them. I have decided to distribute this wealth in the morning. That morning, he continued distributing the money to the various factions of the poor and needy until the entire amount was spent. He then also gave the bag away to a destitute person. His son says: “We were experiencing such poverty (at the time) which only Allah Ta’ala knew.”[10]

His Piety

His son Abdulllah relates: “My father used to perform three hundred rak’aat daily. When he became ill due to the lashes which weakened him, he used to perform one hundred and fifty rakaat. At that time he was close to eighty years of age. He used to recite one-seventh of the Qur’an daily, thereby completing the Qur’an in seven days. Besides the salaah of the day, he used to complete one recital in seven nights as well. After performing Esha salaah, he used to have a light nap, then stay awake up to the morning performing salaah and making duaa. My father performed Hajj five times, three on foot and two by conveyance. On one of his journeys of Hajj he spent only twenty dirhams.”[11]

Ibrahim bin Shammaas (Ramatullahi Alaihi) says: “I knew Imaam Ahmad as a child, staying awake during the night (in Ibaadah).”[12]

Poetry of Imaam Shaafiee regarding Imaam Ahmad

قالوا يزورك أحمد و تزوره ** قلت الفضائل لا تفارق منزله

ان زارني فبفضله او زرته ** فلفضله فالفضل في الحالين له

The people say (to me) that (we notice that) Imaam Ahmad visits you and you visit him. I reply saying that (though he visits me, however it is an honour for me as) virtue does not separate from his high and lofty position.

If he visits me, then it is out of his grace, and if I visit him, then it is due to acquiring his virtue and good. In both situations, grace and virtue belongs to him (not me).[13]

His Adab (Respect) in Deen

Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) never called any of his asaatidha by their names out of respect for them. Rather, he would refer to them by their titles.[14]

Once, Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was lying down due to some illness. In the middle of the discussion someone mentioned the name of Ibraheem bin Tahmaan (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). On listening to this name, Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) immediately sat up out of respect. Thereafter he remarked, “It is inappropriate that the names of the elders are mentioned whilst we are sitting and relaxing.”[15]

 


[1] Sifatus Safwah 487/1

[2] Sifatus Safwah 479/1

[3] Siyar 446/9

[4] Ibid

[5] Siyar 447/9

[6] Ibid

[7] Siyar 465/9

[8] Siyar 458/9

[9] Who are the blind followers pg. 38

[10] Sifatus Safwah 486/1

[11] Sifatus Safwah 484/1

[12] Siyar 466/9

[13] Deewaan of Imaam Shaafiee pg. 322

[14] Aadaabul Muta’allimeen

[15] Ibid

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Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=7169 Thu, 11 Dec 2014 04:48:01 +0000 http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=7169 Introduction

Imaam Shaafi’ee’s (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) name was Muhammad ibn Idris. He was born in the year 150 A.H. (the very year Imaam Abu Hanifah passed away) and passed away in the month of Rajab, 204 A.H.[1]

His Expertise

Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Anyone who used ink and a pen (for the knowledge of Deen) is undoubtedly indebted to Imaam Shaafi’i (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in some way or the other.” Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) also said: “For forty years I have been supplicating for Imaam Shaafi’ee after Salaah.” Once Imaam Ahmad’s (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) son asked him: “What type of a person was Imaam Shaafi’i? I hear you supplicating for him so much?” He replied: “O my beloved son! Imaam Shaafi’i (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was like the sun for the world and a safety for the people. Think about it, do these two (bounties) have any substitute?” [2]

Abdur Rahmaan bin Mahdi says: “I do not perform any salaah, except that I also make Duaa for Imaam Shaafi’ee.” [3]

Imaam Shaafi’i (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was titled in Baghdad as ‘Naasirus Sunnah’ (the saviour of the Sunnah). Ibn Katheer (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “He memorized the Quraan when he was only seven, the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik when he was ten, and his Shaikh, Muslim ibn Khallaad az-Zanji permitted him to pass verdicts (Fatwa) when he was only fifteen. (Some narrations state that he was eighteen). Abu Thowr (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), one of the Mujtahideen of that era, says: “We never saw anyone like Imaam Shaafi’ee.[4]

Abu Ubaid (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “I never saw anyone more eloquent, intelligent and cautious (referring to his state of Wara’) than Imaam Shaafi’ee. Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) would relate the Hadith narrated by Abu Dawood (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) wherein Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Verily Allah appoints for this Ummah, upon every hundred years, a reviver for its Deen.” Imaam Ahmad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) would then comment: “Umar ibn Abdul Aziz was sent at the end of the first hundred years and Imaam Shaafi’i was sent at the end of the second century (as a reviver).”[5]

Ibrahim bin Abi Taalib says that I once asked Abu Qudaamah As-Sarakhsi regarding Imaam Shaafi’ee, Imaam Ahmad, Abu Ubaid and Ibn Raahway (Rahimahumullah). He replied: “Imaam Shaafi’ee is the most diligent amongst them in fiqh.[6]

Yahya bin Ma’een once came to Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). Whilst he was seated with him, Imaam Shaafi’ee passed by on his mule. Imaam Ahmad hastily stood up to greet him. He then followed him and remained for a while with Imaam Shaafi’ee, while Yahya remained seated. When he returned, Yahya asked him: “O Abu Abdillah, why did you behave in this manner?” Imaam Ahmad replied: “If you really want to know why I behaved in this manner, then the reason is that if you want to acquire the true understanding of Deen, then hold on firmly to the tail of the mule of Imaam Shaafi’ee and do not separate from him.” [7]

Ayyoub bin Suwaid says: “I did not think I would live to see a man as great as Imaam Shaafi’ee.”[8]

Ahmad bin Abu Surayj Ar-Raazi states: “I did not see anyone more articulate than Imaam Shaafi’ee. [9]

Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal said: “Imaam Shaafi’ee was from amongst the most eloquent of people.[10]

His Piety

Rabi’ (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) used to divide his night into three portions. The first third was for writing, the second third for Salaah and the last third for rest.” Rabi’ (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) also said: “In the month of Ramadhaan, Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) used to complete the recitation of the Quraan sixty times. It is not however possible to calculate how much of it was accomplished in Salaah.” Rabi’ (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) once said: “Imaam Shaafi’i used to complete thirty recitals of the Quraan in every month, but during the month of Ramadhaan, he used to complete sixty besides what he recited during Salaah.”[11]

Ibrahim bin Muhammad As-Shaafi’ee says: “I never saw anyone perform salaah better than Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alayh). The reason for this is that he had learnt how to perform salaah from Muslim bin Khaalid, who learnt from ibn Jurayj, who learnt from Ataa’, who learnt from ibn Zubayr, who learnt from Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu Anhu), who learnt from Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).[12]

Ahmad bin Abbas An-Nasaai says that I heard Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal saying on many occasions: “The slave of Allah Ta’ala, Imaam Shaafi’ee, said: “I did not see anyone follow the Hadith as strictly as Imaam Shafi’ee did.”[13]

Glad Tidings

Hafiz Jalaalud Deen Suyooti (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that the Ulama have mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had issued glad tidings in favour of Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in the following manner: “Do not talk ill of the Quraysh, as an Aalim of the Quraysh would (in the near future) fill the entire world with ilm (knowledge).” The Ulama say that this glad tiding was in reference to Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).[14]

Ibnu Abdil Hakam says that when the mother of Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was pregnant with him, she saw a dream as though she gave birth to a star that became apparent in Egypt, and thereafter a piece of it landed in every town. The interpreters of dreams interpreted this dream as meaning that she will give birth to an Aalim, whose knowledge will be exclusive for the people of Egypt at first, and then it will spread throughout the world.”[15]

His intelligence

Imaam Muzani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) reports: “On one ocassion we were present by Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) when an old man wearing woollen clothing appeared. The old man then asked Imaam Shaafi’ee: May I ask a question?” Imaam Shaafi’ee gave him permission. He then asked: “What are the Shar’ee proofs in the Deen of Allah Ta’ala?” Imaam Shaafi’ee replied: “The Kitaab of Allah Ta’ala.” He then asked: “And what else?” Imaam Shaafi’ee replied: “The Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). He then asked: “And what else?” Imaam Shaafi’ee replied: “The consensus of the Ummah.” He then asked: “What is your proof for this?” Imaam Shaafi’ee thought for a while. The old man then said: “I give you respite for three days, either you bring me proof from the Qur’an, or seek forgiveness and repent to Allah Ta’ala.” The facial complexion of Imaam Shaafi’ee changed. He then went and did not come out until the third day between Zuhr and Asr, in the condition that he was extremely sick. He hardly sat down when the old man came, greeted him and sat beside him. He then asked for his proof. Imaam Shaafi’ee said: “Yes”, and he began reciting the verses:

وَمَن يُشاقِقِ الرَّسولَ مِن بَعدِ ما تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الهُدىٰ وَيَتَّبِع غَيرَ سَبيلِ المُؤمِنينَ نُوَلِّهِ ما تَوَلّىٰ وَنُصلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَساءَت مَصيرًا  (سورة النساء: 115)

And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows a path other than the path of the believers, we shall (forsake him) and let him continue on his path, and thereafter We shall drive him towards Hell, and evil it is as an abode. (Surah Nisa, 115)

The man said: “You have spoken the truth.” The man then left. Imaam Shaafi’ee said to those seated around him: “I recited the entire Qur’an thrice daily for three days, until the proof finally dawned upon me.”[16]

Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal said: “A scholar of Hadith can never get satiated from studying the kitaabs of Imaam Shaafi’ee (due to the abundant and profound knowledge contained in it). [17]

Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal said: “The fuqahaa were the doctors, and the Muhadditheen were the pharmacists. Muhammad bin Idrees (Imaam Shaafi’ee) came as both a doctor and a pharmacist.[18]

His Ikhlaas, Humility and Love for Brotherhood

Imaam Rabee’ mentions that Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “It is my desire that people learn and take benefit from the knowledge (in my kitaabs), without anything being attributed to me.”[19]

Younus As-Sadafi says: “I did not see anyone more intelligent than Imaam Shaafi’ee. I debated with him on one occasion regarding a certain mas’ala, then we separated. He thereafter took hold of my hand and said: “O Abu Musa, why can’t we still remain closely attached as brothers, even though I notice that we do not agree on certain issues.[20]

Rabi’ bin Sulaymaan (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that his ustaadh Imaam Shafiee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) would say to him out of love and affection, “If I could transform Ilm (knowledge) into food and feed it to you I would do so.” [21]

Allamah Subki (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentions that on one occasion Imaam Shaafi’ee explained a mas’ala to Rabee bin Sulaymaan Al-Muraadi thirty nine times, yet he still did not understand it. Rabee then woke up and left the gathering out of shame. After the lesson Imaam Shaafi’ee called him in seclusion and explained to him with extreme love and affection in the manner he had explained it during the thrity nine times. On the fortieth time, Rabee bin Sulaymaan understood it.[22]

Adab (Respect)

Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) used to say, “I would turn the pages of the kitaabs in a soft and silent manner in the presence of Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), so that the sound of the pages turning would not disturb him.”[23]

Imaam Rabee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentioned, “I did not have the courage to even drink a sip of water in the presence of my ustaadh, Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) out of respect for him.”[24]

The Statement of Imaam Shaafi’ee

Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says:

الجد يدنى كل امر شاسعٍ           والجدّ يفتح كل باب مغلقٍ    

After making an effort, man is able to accomplish any difficult task he wishes, just as a closed door is opened after some effort.[25]

The Durood of Imaam Shaafi’ee

Ibn Bunaan Asbahaani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “I once saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream and asked him, ‘O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), has any special honour been granted to Muhammad ibn Idrees Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), who is the son of your ‘uncle’? (‘Uncle’ has been mentioned because Imaam Shaafi’ee’s ancestory meets Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)’s ancestory at Abd Yazeed ibn Hishaam. Hishaam was the great grandfather of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “Yes indeed. I have supplicated to Allah Ta’ala that he be saved from the reckoning on the day of Qiyaamah.” I then asked, “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), on account of which deed did he become worthy of such a favour?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “It is because he has recited such a durood upon me that no one else ever recited.” I then enquired: “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), what is that durood?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied:

اللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ كُلَّمَا ذَكَرَهُ الذَّاكِرُونَ وَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ كُلَّمَا غَفَلَ عَن ذِكْرِهِ الْغَافِلُونَ

O Allah Ta’ala! Bestow special mercy upon Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) equivalent to the number of times that he was remembered, and bestow special mercy upon Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) equivalent to the number of times that the neglectful forgot to remember him. (Fazaail Durood)

It is mentioned that after the demise of Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), someone had seen him in a dream and asked him the reason for being pardoned by Allah Ta’ala. Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) replied: “It is because of these five durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that I used to recite every Friday night (i.e. the night preceding Friday)

اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّد بِعَدَدِ مَن صَلَّى عَلَيه وَ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ بِعَدَدِ مَن لَم يُصَلِّ عَلَيه وَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا اَمَرتَ بِالصَّلَوةِ عَلَيهِ وَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا تُحِبُّ اَن يُّصَلَّى عَلَيه وَ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا يَنبَغِي اَن يُصَلَّى عَلَيه

O Allah, shower your choicest mercy and blessings on the master of the worlds, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) according to the number of people who recited durood upon Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). And shower your choicest mercy and blessings on the master of the worlds, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) according to the number of people who did not recite durood upon Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). And shower your choicest mercy and blessings on the master of the worlds, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the manner that You have commanded that durood be recited upon him. And shower your choicest mercy and blessings on the master of the worlds, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the most befitting manner which pleases You. And shower your choicest mercy and blessings on the master of the worlds, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the manner he should be remembered and durood be recited upon him.

It is possible that Imaam Shaafiee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) had gained forgiveness on account of both these above-mentioned duroods.[26]


[1] Sifatus Safwah 439/1

[2] Sifatus Safwah 435/1

[3] Siyar 394/8

[4] Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 276/10

[5] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 40

[6] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 37

[7] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 38

[8] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 39

[9] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 40

[10] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 41

[11] Sifatus Safwah 437/1

[12] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 37

[13] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 42

[14] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 56

[15] Siyar 379/8

[16] Siyar 414/8

[17] Muqaddamah of Deewaan of Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 41

[18] Ibid

[19] Siyar 386/8

[20] Siyar 382/8

[21] Ma’aalimul Irshaadiya pg. 78

[22] Ma’aalimul Irshaadiya pg. 77

[23] Aadabul Muta’allimeen

[24] Ibid

[25] Ibid

[26] Fazaail – Durood

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Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=6558 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=6558#respond Wed, 10 Dec 2014 04:30:36 +0000 http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=6558 Introduction

Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was born in the year 95 A.H., and was 15 years younger than Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). He passed away on the 14th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, 179 A.H. [1]

His Expertise

Abu Nu’aim (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrates from Abu Mus’ab (Rahmatullahi Alaihi): “I heard Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) say: ‘I never passed a Fatwa (verdict) until seventy scholars bore testimony to the fact that I was worthy of issuing Fatwa.”[2]

Allamah Zarqaani states that Imaam Maalik started teaching Hadith at the age of seventeen.[3]

Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “I wrote one hundred thousand Ahaadith with my right hand.”[4]

Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Had it not been for Imaam Maalik and Sufyaan bin Uyaynah (Rahmatullahi Alaihima), the knowledge of Hijaaz (Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Tayyibah) would have been lost.”[5]

Hammaad bin Salamah says: “If someone had to ask me to appoint a person from whom the ummah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would be able to attain knowledge from, I would regard Imaam Maalik bin Anas to be the most suitable and appropriate person for that task.[6]

Once a person asked Imaam Shaafi’ee, “Did you ever meet anyone like Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi)?” Imaam Shaafi’ee replied: “I have heard some of those who were more senior than us in age and knowledge saying that they had never seen anyone like Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), so how could we have seen someone like him?”[7]

Muthannah bin Saeed mentions that I heard Imaam Maalik say: “There is no night that passes except that I see Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream.”[8]

Droves of people used to flock to Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) to acquire the knowledge of Deen. If someone had seen the crowds of people present at the home of Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), he could liken it to the multitudes of people present at the door of the king.[9]

His Caution in Deen

Abdurrahman ibn Mahdi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “A man once asked Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) a mas’alah (ruling), to which he responded: I am not sure about it. The man exclaimed: “I have indeed travelled to you from such and such a place to ask you about it!” Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) responded: “When you return to your place, inform the people that I said that I am not sure of it.”[10]

Haitham bin Jameel says: “I was present on one occasion when Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was asked fourty eight questions, thirty two of which he answered by saying “I do not know.”[11]

Glad Tidings

Hafiz Jalaalud Deen Suyooti (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that the Ulama have mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had issued glad tidings in favour of Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in the following manner: “Soon a time will come when people would travel lengthy journeys beating their camels in pursuit of ‘ilm. They would not find anyone as learned as the Aalim of Madinah.” It is also reported in a narration of Tirmidhi that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Knowledge will be cut off, and there will not be anyone more knowledgeable than the Aalim of Madinah.” Sufyaan bin Uyaynah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “The Muhadditheen attributed this glad tidings of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).” Abdur Razzaaq said that we used to think that it was Imaam Maalik that was being referred to (in the above-mentioned Hadith), because this title of “The Aalim of Madinah” was not associated with anyone other than Imaam Maalik, and nor were camels beaten in travelling to Madinah to learn Hadith from anyone else as much as they were beaten for Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).[12]

Abu Nu’aym Al-Isfahaani mentioned in Hilyat al-Awliya that Ismail bin Muzahim Al-Marwazi, one of the companions of ibnul Mubaarak, said: “I saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream and I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who should we ask after you?’ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: ‘Maalik bin Anas.’”[13]

Mutarrif bin Abi Abdillah said: “I saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream sitting in the musjid with people around him. Imaam Maalik was standing before him and there was musk in front of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). He was taking handfuls from it and giving it to Imaam Maalik, and Imaam Maalik was distributing it among the people.” Mutarrif said, “I interpreted it as the knowledge of Deen and following the Sunnah.”[14]

Mus’ab ibn Az-Zubairi narrates that his father said: “I was seated with Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in the Musjid of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when suddenly a man appeared asking which one of us was Abu Abdillah Maalik. The people indicated towards Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). He came closer to Imaam Maalik and greeted him. Thereafter he embraced him, kissed him on his forehead and held him close to his chest. He then said to Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi): ‘Last night I had seen a dream wherein Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was seated at this very spot. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Bring Maalik’. Thereafter you were brought whilst you were shuddering and trembling. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘There is nothing to fear O Abu Abdillah. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Sit down’. Then you had sat down. Then Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Open your lap’. You opened your lap and Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) spread out musk. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Keep it by you and distribute it to my Ummah.’” Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) broke down into tears for a long period. Thereafter he said: “A dream (wherein there is glad tidings) should cause one to become happy, however it should not deceive one (in striving towards his goal).” If your dream is true then the musk refers to the knowledge which Allah Ta’ala had entrusted me with.”[15]

His Respect for Hadith

His gathering was one of great awe, forbearance and knowledge. He was a noble man who was endowed with awe and respect. There was no arguing, shouting or raising of voices in his gathering.[16]

Ibn Habib said: “When Imaam Maalik sat to teach Hadith, no one moved from their place until he got up.

Whenever he sat down to narrate Hadith, he applied itr and donned new clothes. A carpet was set out for him on which he sat. He emerged from his house with great amount of humility. He sat before the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) with utmost respect and dignity. Oud used to be burnt in the gathering where the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to be taught by Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).[17]

Abdullah bin Mubaarak said: “I was once present in the gathering of Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) while he was relating Hadith to us and a scorpion stung him sixteen times. Imaam Maalik’s facial complexion began to change colour, however he continued teaching the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). After the lesson was over and the students had departed, I asked him the reason for the change in his complexion during the lesson. He informed me regarding the scorpion sting and said, “I did not move from my place out of respect for the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).”[18]

Abu Mus’ab (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that Imaam Maalik used to only narrate Hadith while in the state of wudhu, out of respect for the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)[19]

Abu Muslim Al-Khuzaa’ee mentioned: “Whenever Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) intended to sit down to narrate Hadith, he would first perform wudhu like how he performs wudhu for salaah, dress in the best of clothing and comb his beard. When someone once asked him regarding this, he replied: “I do all of this out of respect for the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).”[20]

Mutarrif says: When people used to gather outside the house of Imaam Maalik, a slave girl would come forward asking: “The Shaikh would like to know whether you have gathered to ask a fatwa or to learn Ahadith?” If they replied: “We have come to ask a fatwa” Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) would immediately emerge from the home and attend to their need. However, if they said that they had come to learn Ahadith then politely she would ask them to take a seat. Thereafter, Imaam Maalik would take a ghusal (bath), apply itr, don a new set of clothes, place a long topee on his head and tie a turban, and thereafter with respect he would teach them Ahadith.[21]

His Sincerity

Allamah Zarqaani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentioned: “When Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) prepared his kitaab “Al-Muatta”, he doubted his sincerity and thus feared that the kitaab may not gain acceptance in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. Hence, as a means of testing his ikhlaas, he resolved within his heart to insert the kitaab in water. In order to determine whether his kitaab was written with ikhlaas, he begged Allah Ta’ala to reveal to him in this way that if the kitaab gets wet, then it is a sign that this kitaab was not written with ikhlaas. After placing the kitaab in the water and removing it, he found it was completely dry.[22]

Allamah Zarqaani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) writes that after Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) had prepared the Muatta, he was informed that like him there were many other Ulama in Madinah Munawwarah who had also prepared their kitaabs, called “Al-Muatta”, and he was also told that there was no need for him to prepare his kitaab when similar types of these books were found in Madinah Munawwarah. Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) responded saying: “Bring these kitaabs to me, I wish to have a look at them.” When the kitaabs were brought before Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alahi), he looked at them and said: “Certainly you know that nothing will gain acceptance in the court of Allah Ta’ala except that which was done with sincerity and ikhlaas.” Hence with the passing of time, besides the Muatta of Imaam Maalik, none of the works of those Ulama remain, nor were their names even heard of.[23]

His Muatta

Muhammad bin Rabee’ says: “I performed Hajj with my father when I was a boy and slept in the musjid of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). I saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream as though he had just come out of his grave, and he was leaning on Hadhrat Abu Bakr and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhuma). I stood up and made salaam to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). I then asked, “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), where are you going?” He replied: “I am going to establish for Imaam Maalik the straight path.  I then woke up and I proceeded with my father to the gathering of Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). I found that the people were surrounding Imaam Maalik and he had presented before them his Muatta. Muhammad ibnul Hakam says that Muhammad bin Sirri said: “I saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream and I said: “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), teach me some knowledge which I can narrate from you.” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “O ibn Sirri, I have brought to Imaam Maalik a treasure for him to distribute among you. It is the Muatta. After the Book of Allah Ta’ala and my sunnah, it is the unanimous agreement of the Muslims that there is no book that is more sound than the Muatta, so listen to it and you will benefit from it.” (NB: This was before the existence of Bukhaari Shareef)[24]

His Love and Respect for Madinah Tayyibah

It is related that he only left the Haram of Madinah if he had a valid reason.[25]

Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) possessed great love for the land of Madinah Munawwarah. This love was on account of the love he had for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Allamah ibn Khalliqaan writes: “Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) never rode a conveyance in the blessed city of Madinah Munawwarah. Even at the time when he grew old and became extremely weak, he preferred to walk rather than being transported by a conveyance. When Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was asked the reason, he mentioned: “I feel extremely difficult to ride on a conveyance in the mubaarak city of Madinah Munawwarah, whereas Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is buried beneath the ground.”[26]

Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) used to commence teaching the students of Hadith and those residing in Madinah Munawwarah before teaching others. When he was asked the reason for showing preference to the students of hadith and the people of Madinah, he exclaimed: “These are the neighbours of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).”[27]

His Intelligence

It is related that once a plague had broken out in Madina Tayyiba. On account of the plague many people had passed away. During that time, a woman was brought to be given ghusal. While she was being washed by the women, one woman exclaimed (referring to the deceased) “You are an adulteress.” The body of the dead woman immediately stuck to the hand of the woman who uttered these words. A lot of effort was made to remove the hand from the deceased’s body, but to no avail. The case was reported to the governor of Madina and he, without delay, consulted the fuqahaa. Some of them said that her hand should be cut off, while others said that part of the dead person’s body should be cut, because the sanctity of the living is greater. The governor said: “I will not issue a command until I consult Abu Abdillah (i.e. Imaam Maalik).” The case was presented before Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) who issued the ruling, “Neither the hand of this woman is to be cut off nor any part of the deceased woman’s body should be cut. I only think that the (deceased) woman is seeking her rights from the woman who had accused her.” After the woman had confessed of the accusation she levelled against the deceased woman, it was decided that the hadd (the corporal punishment which was eighty lashes in the case of false accusations of zina) should be carried out upon the slanderer. The woman was given seventy nine lashes while her hand remained stuck. Upon receiving the eightieth lash, her hand immediately was released.[28]

Statements of Imaam Maalik

Imaam Maalik says:

لاينبغي للعالم ان يتكلم بالعلم عند من لا يطيقه

It is not appropriate for an Aalim to discuss any issue of ‘ilm which is beyond the comprehension and understanding of the person he is speaking to.

Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Quarrelling and disputing in Deeni issues causes the noor of ‘ilm to leave the heart. Imaam Maalik was then asked, “How should a person possessing the knowledge of the Sunnah convey the message to someone who is not receptive. Can he adopt a forceful and quarrelling approach?” Imaam Maalik replied: “No, he should not adopt a quarrelling approach when imparting the Sunnah. Instead he should in a dignified and respectable manner inform him of the truth. If he accepts, well and good, otherwise after conveying the message, he should remain silent.”[29]

The importance of Adab (Islamic Ettiquette)

Abdur Rahmaan bin Qaasim said, “I stayed for twenty years in the service of Imaam Maalik. I spent eighteen years learning adab (etiquette, respect) and akhlaaq (good character) and two years acquiring knowledge.”

Ibn Wahb used to say that what I attained through respecting Imaam Maalik, I did not attain that much from Ilm (Knowledge).[30]

Ibn Daraawardi states: “On one ocaasion I had seen Imaam Abu Hanifah and Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihima), both engaged in Deeni discussion after the Esha salaah. Their discussion continued from after Esha till Fajr. I closely examined them and the manner in which they discussed, and I found both to be completely calm and composed. In many issues Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) had agreed and accepted the viewpoint of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).”[31]

Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “If you see a person possessing hatred for Imaam Maalik then know well that he is a bid’ati (i.e. one who is misguided and does not possess love for the Sunnah).[32]

Important Facts regarding His Life

Imaam Maalik would relieve himself once every three days, yet he used to say: “I feel ashamed of relieving myself so often”. He would place a shawl over his head in such a manner that he could not see anyone nor could anyone see him. Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) would not eat or drink anything in the presence of people. Once someone said to Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi): “How do you feel this morning?” He replied: “I feel that my life is decreasing while my sins are increasing.” Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) resided in the house of Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Masood (Radhiyallahu Anhu) in Madinah Munawwarah. He did not possess his own house. Instead he rented the house until his demise. In the Musjid he sat where Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) used to sit and this was the very same place where Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would lay his bedding whilst sitting for I’tikaaf. [33]  

[1] Siyar 435/7

[2] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 77

[3] Ibid

[4] Bustaanul Muhadditheen pg. 25

[5] Siyar 399/7

[6] Muqaddamah of Ml. Abdul Hayy Laknowi of Muatta Imaam Muhammad pg. 10

[7] Ibid

[8] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 80

[9] Tazkiratul Huffaz 1/208

[10] Sifatus Safwah 397/1

[11] Siyar 401/7

[12] Muqaddamah of Ml. Abdul Hayy Laknowi of Muatta Imaam Muhammad pg. 9, Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 80

[13] Bustaanul Muhadditheen pg. 28

[14] Ibid

[15] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 80

[16] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 81

[17] Bustaanul Muhadditheen pg. 25

[18] Muqaddamah of Ml. Abdul Hayy Laknowi of Muatta Imaam Muhammad pg. 10

[19] Siyar 412/7

[20] Muqaddamah of Ml. Abdul Hayy Laknowi of Muatta Imaam Muhammad pg. 9

[21] Muqaddamah of Awjaz 1/78

[22] Muqaddamah of Awjaz 1/92

[23] Ibid

[24] Muqaddamah of Ml. Abdul Hayy Laknowi of Muatta Imaam Muhammad pg. 10

[25] Bustaanul Muhadditheen pg. 25

[26] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 83

[27] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 78

[28] Bustaanul Muhadditheen pg. 23

[29] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 82

[30] Aadabul Muta’allimeen

[31] Aqwamul Masaalik lil Kauthari pg. 97

[32] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 83

[33] Muqaddamah of Awjaz pg. 78

 

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Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=6382 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=6382#respond Sat, 31 May 2014 13:49:43 +0000 http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=6382 Introduction

Imaam Abu Hanifah’s (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) name was Nu’man ibn Thaabit. He was born in the year 80 A.H. and passed away in the year 150 A.H. [1]

Allamah Ibn Katheer (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) (d. 774 A.H.) writes about Imaam Abu Hanifah: “… one of the four Imaams of the mazaahib that are followed. He was the first amongst them in demise, as he had also witnessed the era of the Sahaabah (Radhiyallahu Anhum). He saw Anas ibn Maalik (Radhiyallahu Anhu). It is related that he also met other Sahaabah (Radhiyallahu Anhum) as well. Some even mention that he narrated from seven of the Sahaabah (Radhiyallahu Anhum). And Allah Ta’ala knows best.”

Allamah Zahabi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) (d. 778 A.H.) states: “He (Imaam Abu Hanifah) met Anas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) on a number of occasions when he visited them in Kufa.” [2]

Piety and Virtues

Allamah Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) states: “It has been recorded about Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) that he performed Salaatul Fajr and Esha with the same wudhu for forty years … and it is also recorded that he completed seven thousand khatams (complete recitals) of the Quraan in his lifetime (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).” [3] 

Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that on one occasion Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was asked: “Did you meet Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi)?” Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) replied: “Yes, Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was a man who if he claimed that a certain pillar was made of gold, he would present sound and unbreakable proofs to establish his claim.” [4]

Shareek (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “Imaam Abu Hanifah was a person who used to observe silence for lengthy periods, and was a man of great intelligence.” [5]

Ibn Ishaaq Samarqandi says that Imaam Abu Yusuf (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Imaam Abu Hanifah used to complete a khatam of the Qur’an every night in one rakaat.” [6]

Mis’ar bin Kidaam says: “One night I went into the musjid where I saw a man performing salaah. I was taken aback by his melodious recitation of the Holy Qur’an. When he reached the seventh juz of the Qur’an, I thought he may go into ruku any moment but he didn’t until he recited one third of the Qur’an. I though he may go into ruku at the termination of half the Qur’an, but he continued until he recited the entire Qur’an in one rakaat. Upon closer inspection, I realised it was Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).[7]

Abu Muayyid Khawaarizmi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrates that Abdullah bin Mubaarak (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “On one occasion a few goats were stolen in Kufa. On hearing of this, Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) enquired about the average maximum age of a goat. When he was informed that goats normally live for up to seven years, he abstained from eating goat meat for seven years.” [8]

Imaam Abu Hanifah was once asked: “How did you acquire this high position in Deen and the great treasures of ‘ilm? Imaam Abu Hanifah replied: “I never mised with the knowledge that Allah Ta’ala had blessed me with. Instead I always shared it with the people, and I never regard it to be below my dignity to seek knowledge from the Ulama. [9]

His Mazhab

Allamah Sha’raani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) states in his kitaab ‘Al-Meezaan’, “I was blessed with a vision from the side of Allah Ta’ala wherein I had seen the mazaahib of the Imaams in the form of streams. I saw the mazaahib of Imaam Abu Hanifah, Imaam Maalik, Imaam Shaafi’ee, Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahimahumullah) as large streams flowing with force, while the mazaahib of the other Imaams of that era which had become extinct were small streams which later on dried up and had become hard like rocks. From the four Imaams, the Imaam whose stream was the longest was Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), followed by the stream of Imaam Maalik, then Imaam Shaafi’ee, then Imaam Ahmad (Rahimahumullah). The one with the shortest stream was Imaam Dawood (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), whose mazhab was discontinued in the 5th century. I interpreted this dream as reference to the duration of the time the different mazaahib will be practised upon. [10]

Glad Tidings

Hafiz Jalaalud Deen Suyooti (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentions that the Ulama have mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had issued glad tidings in favour of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in the following Hadith. Imaam Bukhaari and Imaam Muslim narrate the Hadith from Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Had knowledge been at the Thuraya star, then Allah Ta’ala will create a man from Persia who will acquire this knowledge.” [11]

Allamah Suyooti says that this Hadith is authentic and that it is a glad tiding in favour of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). [12]

Abu Yahya Al-Himmaani says that he heard Imaam Abu Hanifah say: “I once saw a dream which made me very concerned. I had seen as though I was digging up the grave of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). I then came to Basrah, and instructed a person to go and ask Muhammad bin Sireen (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) the interpretation of the dream on my behalf. Muhammad bin Sireen (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), upon hearing the dream, replied: “The one who had seen the dream will be blessed by Allah Ta’ala with the bounty of gathering the  Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) (and the knowledge of Deen, and present it to the Ummah.)” [13]

Generosity

Muthanna bin Rajaa’ (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Whenever Imaam Abu Hanifah would spend on his family, he would spend the same amount in charity.” [14]

It is mentioned that Hadhrat Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) learnt that his student Imaam Abu Yusuf (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was very poor and that his mother required him to earn a living to fulfil their basic needs such as food, etc. Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) stipulated an amount of money for him, which was sufficient to meet his and his mother’s needs. [15]

Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) used to send cash to Baghdad in order to purchase goods to be sold in Kufa. The profit would be accumulated and utilised in the food, clothing and other needs of the Muhadditheen. He used to present the remainder profit to them in the form of cash. He used to tell them, “Praise Allah Ta’ala alone and not me. I have not disbursed anything from my wealth but from the wealth of Allah Ta’ala. By Allah, whatever He has bestowed upon me is your trust which He has sent to you via me.” [16]

Imaam Mis’ar bin Kidaam (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrates: “It was the habit of Imaam Abu Hanifah that whatever he purchased for his family, he would spend the same amount on the senior Ulama, and whenever he purchased clothing for his family, he used to buy the same amount for the senior Ulama as well. At the onset of the fruit season, whatever he intended to purchase for his family members, he would first purchase the same for the senior Ulama as much as he intended to purchase for his family. [17]

Principles Governing his Mazhab

Nooh Al-Jaami’ reports that Imaam Abu Hanifah said: “Whatever is reported from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), then we submit before it. Whatever is reported from the Sahabah, then we give it preference over the statements of others and personal logic. Whatever is reported from anyone else, then they are men and so are we. (Hence, we are not bound to accept it, instead we will employ our ijtihaad in reaching the conclusion).” [18]

His Expertise in the Field of Hadith

His expertise and proficiency in the field of Hadith can be summed up in the words of Imaam Abu Yusuf (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), who himself was a great Muhaddith and the ustaad of Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). He says: “Imaam Abu Hanifah had much more insight regarding authentic Ahaadith than me.” He further says: “I have not witnessed anyone more learned in the field of Hadith than Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). [19]

Abu Muhammad Al-Haarithi narrates that Imaam Abu Yusuf (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Whenever we discussed any Deeni issue with Imaam Abu Hanifah, and his contemporaries unanimously agreed to what he had to say, I would go to the Mashaayikh of Kufa to search for a clear Hadith in verification of his opinion. I would often come across two or three Ahaadith which I used to present to him in verification of his opinion. I once enquired from him regarding how he had come to know about this Hadith. He replied: “I am well acquainted with the Ahaadith reported by the Ulama of Kufa.” [20]

Abu Ya’qoob Yusuf bin Ahmad Makki narrates that Abdullah bin Ahmad bin Ibrahim Dawraqi said: “When Yahya bin Ma’een was asked about Abu Hanifah, I was listening as he replied: “He is reliable in terms of accepting Ahaadith from him. I have not heard any of the Muhadditheen portraying him to be unreliable. Look at Imaam Shu’bah that he writes to Imaam Abu Hanifah requesting him to explain a few Ahaadith, and Shu’bah is after all Shu’bah.” (In other words, in the field of Hadith, Imaam Shu’bah is of a very eminent rank.) [21]

Imaam Abu Hanifah declared that a narrator should only narrate a Hadith if he remembered it thoroughly, from the day he heard it till the day he is narrating it. [22]

Shabaabah says that Shu’bah held a favourable opinion of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). [23]

Khateeb Baghdaadi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrates that Sufyaan bin Uyaynah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “The first person who accorded me a seat of honour in the field of Hadith was Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). When I arrived in Kufa, he openly informed the people that I am most knowledgable in regard to the Ahaadith of Amr bin Dinaar (Rahmatullahi Alahi). The people started gathering around me and I started teaching those Ahaadith to them.” [24]

Sufyaan bin Uyaynah (the Ustaad of Imaam Shaafi’ee) (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) is reported to have said: “My sight has not fallen on anyone as great as Imaam Abu Hanifah. [25]

Hibbaan bin Moosa said: “We were once seated in the company of Abdullah bin Mubaarak (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) (the student of Imaam Abu Hanifah and from among the Ustaads of Imaam Bukhaari i.e. from among the narrators appearing in Bukhaari Shareef). He was dictating Ahaadith to us, when he said: “Nu’maan bin Thaabit narrated to me..”. Someone asked him, “O Abu Abdir Rahmaan, who are you referring to by this name Nu’maan bin Thaabit?” He replied, “I am referring to Imaam Abu Hanifah, who is a treasure house of ‘ilm.” Upon hearing this, some of the students terminated the copying down of this Hadith from him. Abdullah bin Mubaarak remained silent for some time, after which he remarked, “O people, how disrespectful of you! Certainly you are not aware of the status of the Imaams of Deen. Nobody is as worthy of being followed as Imaam Abu Hanifah. Indeed he was an Imaam. He was extremely pious and his reputation was untarnished. He was a very devout Aalim and Faqeeh. He explained ‘ilm with deep insight and profound understanding. He possessed unique Taqwa (i.e. Allah consciousness) that very few possess.” The narrator adds: “Abdullah bin Mubaarak thereafter swore an oath that he will not teach them for another month.” [26]

His Expertise in the Field of Fiqh

Yahya bin Ma’een (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) is reported to have said: “According to me, the most reliable and most esteemed Qiraat is the Qiraat of Hamzah while in Fiqh it is the Fiqh of Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). I have found the predecessors to hold the same view as well.” [27]

Imaam Shaafi’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) is reported to have said about Imaam Abu Hanifah: “People are entirely dependent upon Imaam Abu Hanifah in Fiqh.” [28]

When Yahya bin Ma’een was asked whether Sufyaan Thauri (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrated any Hadith from Imaam Abu Hanifah, he said: “Surely he narrated from him. Abu Hanifah was a very reliable narrator and most truthful in expounding the laws of fiqh. In regard to the Deen of Allah Ta’ala, he was regarded as most reliable and trustworthy.”[29]

Khatib Baghdadi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrates that Abdullah bin Mubaarak (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “I went to Syria to meet Imaam Auzaa’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). I found him in Beirut. He asked me: “O Khurasaani, who is this bid’ati in Kufa referred to as Imaam Abu Hanifah?” I returned home and began perusing the kitaabs of Imaam Abu Hanifah all over again. I selected a few selected masaail and made a note of them. I continued this activity for three days. On the fourth day, I appeared before Imaam Auzaa’ee (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) with the book in which I made notes. He was a Muazzin of the Musjid as well as the Imaam. When he saw the book in my hand, he asked: “What book is this?” I handed the book over to him. He came across a mas’ala upon which I had written, “Nu’maan bin Thaabit says”. After calling out the Azaan, he continued studying the first part of the book while standing. He thereafter placed the book in his sleeve and performed the salaah. Once again he started reading the book until he completed it. He then asked, “O Khurasaani, who is this Nu’maan bin Thaabit?” I replied: “He is an aalim I met in Iraq.” He advised me: “He is a man of outstanding virtue from amongst the scholars. Go and attain tremendous ‘ilm from him.” I submitted: “He is the same Abu Hanifah you had prohibited me from.”[30]

A great personality in the field of Hadith like Imaam Bukhaari (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) also studied Hanafi fiqh, through which he gained expertise in the field of Fiqh. In the foreword of Fathul Baari, the commentary of Bukhaari Shareef, his own words are narrated thus: “When I was sixteen, I memorized the kitaatbs of Ibnul Mubaarak and Wakee’ and I learnt the sayings of these people i.e. the people of logic.” The people of knowledge are quite aware of the fact that Hadhrat Abdullah ibnul Mubaarak and Wakee’ bin Jarraah (referred to by Imaam Bukhaari) are both the students of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi).[31]

Ali bin Aasim says: “If the knowledge of Imaam Abu Hanifah was weighed against the knowledge of the rest of the people of his time, his knowledge would outweigh the rest.”[32]

Hafs bin Ghiyaath (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “The statements of Imaam Abu Hanifah in fiqh were extremely fine and delicate, even finer than a strand of hair. Only an ignorant person will find faults in it.”[33]

Abdullah bin Mubaarak (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “Imaam Abu Hanifah was the greatest of people in fiqh.”[34]

Incidents Highlighting his Greatness

His intelligence

Wak’ee bin Jarrah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) narrates: “I was sitting in the company of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) when a lady appeared before him and said: “My brother passed away leaving behind six hundred gold coins. However, I only received one gold coin from his estate.” Imaam Abu Hanifah asked: “Who distributed the estate?” She replied: “Dawood Tai’.” Imaam Abu Hanifah said: “You are entitled to this much only. Tell me, your brother left behind two daughters.” She replied in the affirmative. He then asked: “Did she leave behind a mother as well?”She replied , “Yes, he did.” He then asked: “Did he leave behind a wife?” She again replied: “Yes.” He then asked: “He left behind twelve brothers and one sister?” When she again replied in the affirmative, Imaam Abu Hanifah added: “The two daughters are entitled to two thirds of the estate and that amounts to four hundred coins. The mother will get one sixth which is one hundred coins, and the wife will get one eighth, which is seventy five coins. Twenty four of the remaining twenty five will go to the twelve brothers. Two coins for each one of them, and the remaining coin will be your share.”[35]

Wak’ee narrates: “I saw Imaam Abu Hanifah, Sufyaan Thauri, Mis’ar bin Kidaam, Maalik bin Mighwal, Ja’far bin Ziyaad and Ahmad Hassan bin Saalih (Rahimahumullah) present at a Walimah invitation in Kufa. The invited guests comprised of the wealthy and the poor. A man got both his daughters married to two brothers. When all the guests finally gathered to eat, the host ran out and exclaimed, “We have a huge problem.” When asked what the problem is all about, he replied: “We prefer the problem to remain confidential.” When Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi)  enquired about the problem, he said: “The problem is that last night, each brother ended up with the other brother’s wife in error.” Imaam Abu Hanifah asked: “Did both couples consummate the marriage as well?” When he replied in the affirmative, Imaam Abu Hanifah then said: “Bring both the husbands to me.” When they appeared before him, he asked each one of them, “Do you prefer to keep the woman you spent the night with?” When each of them replied in the affirmative, Imaam Abu Hanifah asked, “What is the woman’s name who spent the night with your brother?” When each of them gave him the name of the other woman, Imaam Abu Hanifah asked each one of them to utter her name and divorce her. Accordingly they issued the Talaaq. Thereafter, Imaam Abu Hanifah recited the khutbah of nikah and re-performed each brother’s nikah with the woman he slept with and he thereafter commented, “Consider this a fresh marriage all together.”

The people were quite taken aback with this action and decision of Imaam Abu Hanifah. Mis’ar bin Kidaam stood up and kissed Imaam Abu Hanifah’s forehead and remarked, “How thoughtless of the people to rebuke me for cherishing love for this man.”[36]

His Love for Brotherhood and Unity

Shaqeeq bin Ibrahim said: “I was once in the company of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) who was on his way to visit a sick person, when another man was coming towards us in the opposite direction. When he saw Imaam Abu Hanifah, he took cover and changed direction. Imaam Abu Hanifah shouted out his name and said: “O so and so, walk in the direction you were walking in. Don’t change your direction now.” When he realised that Imaam Abu Hanifah had already seen him, he was overcome with shame and stood still. Upon reaching him, Imaam Abu Hanifah asked him the reason for avoiding him. He replied: “I owe you a long overdue amount of ten thousand dirhams which I am unable to pay. I have breached my promise of payment. I was overcome by shame when I saw you coming towards me.”

Imaam Abu Hanifah remarked: “Subhaanallah! Matters have reached such proportions that when you see me you take cover? Go, I have gifted the entire amount to you and I declare myself a personal witness to this. Remember, do not take cover when you see me around. Also, forgive me for the ill-feelings that could have cropped up in your heart against me.” Shaqeeq (the narrator of the incident) says: “This is when I was completely convinced that this man is a true saint.”[37]

Abdullah bin Bakr Ashami narrates: “En route to Makkah Mukarramah, one of the camel drivers became hostile towards me over some dispute between us. He took me to Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). He questioned us both and both our answers were conflicting. Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) then asked: “The dispute is over what amount?” The camel driver replied: “Over forty dirhams.” Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) commented: “People have lost their dignity.” This statement really put me to shame. Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) then handed over forty dirhams to the camel driver and settled the dispute. [38]

His Taqwa

Khaarijah bin Mus’ab narrates: “When I was about to proceed for Hajj, I left my slave girl in the care of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). I stayed  in Makkah Mukarramah for about fourteen months and upon my return, I asked him about her character and services, etc. He replied: “He who has recited the Qur’an, preserved the Deen of the people, pointed out what is Haraam and Halaal to them, is in need of protecting himself from fitnah (temptation). By Allah, I haven’t even seen your slave girl.” I thereafter enquired from her regarding Imaam Abu Hanifah and the household chores, etc. She replied: “I have never heard of nor seen anyone like him.”[39]

Respect for his Ustaad and Serving him

Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “I never stretched my legs in the direction of the house of my ustaad Hammaad bin Abi Sulaymaan out of respect for him, though his house was seven streets away from my house. [40]

A’tika, the sister of Hammaad ibn Abi Sulaymaan (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) the ustaadh of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) used to clean out the seeds from the cotton at her home. He used to buy the milk and vegetables and would do similar chores at her house.

At that time, who would have imagined that the servant in the house of Hammaad would one day be regarded as the master of the whole world?[41]

Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alahi) reports that the first time I met my Ustaad Hammad bin Abi Sulaymaan (Rahmatullahi Alaih), I found him to be a man of great respect and tolerance. He possessed great understanding and was endowed with the ability to easily express and convey the message of Deen to the people. I stuck to him and remained committed to his teachings. I found everything in him that I was desirous of attaining.  After remaining in his company for a lengthy period, one day he said to me: “O Abu Hanifah, all that I possessed in my heart of ‘ilm, you have acquired it.”[42]

 

The praise of Imaam Shaafi’ee regarding Imaam Abu Hanifah

لقد زان البلادَ ومن عليها ** إمَامُ المسْلِمينَ أبُو حَنِيفة

بأحكامِ وآثارِ وفقهٍ ** كآيَاتِ الزَّبُورِ عَلَى الصَّحِيفَة

فما بالمشرقين له نظيرٌ ** ولا بالمغربين ولا بكوفه

فَرَحْمَةُ رَبِّنا أبداً عَليْهِ ** مَدَى الأَيَّامِ مَا قُرِئَتْ صَحِيفة

The leader of the Muslims, Imaam Abu Hanifah, has beautified the cities and those who reside in it.

With laws of the Qur’an, Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Fiqh of Deen, just like the beauty of the Qur’an over all other heavenly scriptures.

There was no one like him in the East or in the west, and nor in the city of Kufa.

So may the special mercy of Allah Ta’ala perpetually rain upon him, till the end of time as long as the Qur’an is recited. [43]


[1] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 54/56

[2] Who are the blind followers? pg. 31

[3] Ibid

[4] Siyar 534/6

[5] Siyar 535/6

[6] Ibid

[7] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 176

[8] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 207

[9] Ma’aalimul Irshaadiya pg. 217

[10] Muqaddamah Musnad Imaam Abi Hanifah pg.9

[11] This means that Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was included in this glad tiding, though it may not have referred exclusively to him.

[12] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 56

[13] Siyar 534/6

[14] Siyar 535/6

[15] Aadabul Muallimeen

[16] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 196

[17] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 197

[18] Siyar 534/6

[19] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 119

[20] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 21

[21] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 158

[22] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 19

[23] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 351

[24] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 119

[25] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 143

[26] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 145

[27] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 158

[28] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 143

[29] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 158

[30] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 148

[31] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 9

[32] Siyar 537/6

[33] ibid

[34] ibid

[35] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 227

[36] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 220

[37] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 198

[38] Uqoodul Jumaan  pg. 200

[39] Uqoodul Jumaan pg. 205

[40] Ma’aalimul Irshaadiya pg. 172

[41] Aadabul Muta’allimeen

[42] Ma’aalimul Irshaadiya pg. 283

[43] Deewaan Imaam Shaafi’ee pg. 286

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