He is Imam Ata-ullah ibn Inayatullah. Born in Karachi, Pakistan he began his education with the memorization of the Holy Quran. At the age of 14 he completed his memorization of the Quran and began working towards the Alim course offered by Jamia Farooqia, Karachi.

His studied a variety of subjects including Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Usool-ul-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence), Tafseer (commentary of the Quran), Usool-ul-Tafseer, Hadith (Traditions of the Prophet ), Arabic Grammar, Arabic Literature and Logic. He successfully completed the Alim-course at the age of 23, at which point he was offered the opportunity to teach at Jamia Farooqia.

He taught at Jamia Farooqia for 8 years benefiting students of Fiqh, Usool-ul-Fiqh, Tafseer, Arabic Grammar, Arabic literature and Logic.

The tradition of studying and teaching Islam is clearly seen amongst his family members, and notably so in his father, Sheikh of Hadith Maulana Inayatullah (r.u.h), who taught in Jamia Farooqia for over 30 years.

We ask Allah to shower His mercy upon the scholars of our time and those who have passed away before them. May Allah the Exalted endow the Muslim Ummah with other great scholars like them. Ameen.

Shaykh Dr. Riyad is a graduate of Dar al-Ulum Nadwatul Ulama Lucknow, India, where he studied the traditional Islamic sciences, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Usul, and Arabic Literature under the late Shaikh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi (R.A.) and other renowned scholars of the Indian sub-continent. His area of speciality in Islamic studies is 'ilm al-raqa'iq (sciences of the heart).

After graduating from Lucknow he completed a PhD in Psycholinguistics (cognitive science) in Oxford and his area of scientific speciality is language and cognitive processes in episodic and semantic memory distinctions. In 1998 he established Dar al-Uloom Oxford, where male and female students in Oxford and the surrounding areas study to become ulama and aalimaat (Islamic scholars) under his guidance.

More recently Sheikh Riyad has set up the Oxford Cross-Cultural Research Institute (OCCRi), which aims to cut through the 'spin' that surrounds contemporary debate to provide a fresh, independent commentary on current affairs

www.occri.org.uk

Imaam of Imaams; Lamp of the Ummah; Leader of the Jurists and Mujtahideen; Hafidh al-Hadith Imaam Abu Hanifah (R.A) was a prestigious Mujtahid, Muhaddith, authoritative person, truthfully spoken, abstinent, wise, and pious.

A great many Muhadditheen and Hanafi, Shafi’ee, Maaliki and Hanbali Ulamaa are in unison with regards to the Imaam's strengths and virtues. Thousands of literary works have been compiled by Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA). Amongst the Imaams ‘Imaam-e-Aadham’ (Greatest of the Imaams) was the address of Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) alone. A great group of Ulamaa and Muhadditheen remained the followers of Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA), and more than half of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam are, till this day, followers also.

He was born in the era of the Companions. Abstinent, God fearing, generous, knowledgeable and virtuous are all attributes collectively found of Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA).

His origination is in Kufa, which at the time, was the greatest centre of ahaadith. As, in Kufa thousands of Companions of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had resided there; more than one thousand jurists were born in Kufa of which one hundred and fifty were Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Kufa, was where the ranked Sayyidina Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud and Sayyidina Abu Huraira had previously resided.

The Imaam's upbringing and education was achieved in such a reputed educational centre, and he reaped much advantage from the Ulamaa of Haramain.

LINEAGE: Nu’maan ibn Thabit Ibn Zuta Ibn Maah \ lbn Marzubaan.

YEAR & PLACE of BIRTH: 80 A.H. Kufa, Iraq.

RENOWNED ADDRESS: Imaam al-'Aadham \ Abu Hanifah.

SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: It has been unanimously agreed that Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) was a Taabi‘ee. There are various differing quotes concerning the number of Companions seen by the Imaam. Sahib-ul-Ikmaal narrates a total of 26, whilst Hafidh Ibn Hajr quotes 8. The most opposed view is that of Hafidh Almizzi whom has stated 72 Companions (RA).

ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE: Primary, basic Islamic teachings were acquired as a child, which were short lived due to Imaam Abu Hanifah’s father’s death. Subsequently, he supported the family business.

Being unable to answer a query regarding the correct Sunnah procedure of divorce, Imaam Abu Hanifah began to join the gatherings of lmaam Hammad (RA), (student of Hadhrat Anas (RA)), disposing of his works as a debator. For the next ten consecutive years he remained the student of Imaam Hammad (RA). After two years, for a period of two months Imaam Hammad took a sudden leave to Basra (due to his relative’s death) leaving Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) to continue his works in Kufa. Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) remained Imaam Hammad’s student for a further 8 years.

MOST EMINENT TEACHER OF JURISPRUDENCE: Imaam Hammad (R A)

MOST EMINENT TEACHER OF AHAADEETH: Imaam Aamir Sha’bi (R. A.)

NO. 0F AHAADEETH ACQUIRED: 4,000 Ahaadeeth in which 2,000 Ahaadeeth from Imaam Hammad (RA) alone.

3 PROMINENT PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH IMAAM ABU HANIFAH ACCEPTED AHAADEETH:

Since the initial day of hearing the hadith it is remembered in its correct form to the very time of narration.
The hadith must have been projected by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and narrated onwards via wholly reliable persons.
Any Ahaadeeth which contradicted the Qur’an or other famous Ahaadeeth were unacceptable.

SOME OF IMAAM ABU HANIFA’S (R.A.) TEACHERS:

Aamir Ibn Shurahbeel, Sha’abi Kufi, Alqama Ibn Marthad, Ziyaad Ibn Ilaqa, Adi Ibn Thabit, Qataada Basri, Muhammed Ibn Munkadir Madni, Simaak Ibn Harb, Qays Ibn Muslim Kufi, Mansoor Ibn Umar etc. etc.

SOME OF IMAAM ABU HANIFA’S (R.A.) STUDENTS:

Qadi Abu Yusuf, Muhammad Ibn Hasan, Zufar Ibn Huzayl, Hammad Ibn Abu Hanifah, Abu Ismat Mugheera Ibn Miqsam, Yunus Ibn Is‘haaq, Abu Bakr Ibn Ayyaash, Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, Ali Ibn Aasim, Ja’ far Ibn Awn, Ubaydullah Ibn Musa etc. etc.

IMAAM ABU HANIFAH’S (R.A.) LITERARY WORKS:

'Kitaab-ul-Aathar’ - compiled from a total of 70,000 Ahaadeeth, ‘Aalim-wal-muta‘allim’, ‘Fiqh al-Akbar’, ‘Jaami’ul Masaneed’, ‘Kitaabul Rad alal Qaadiriyah’ etc. etc.

IMAAM ABU HANIFAH’S CHARACTERISTICS:

Impartiality: Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.) has never accepted a favour from anyone and so was never indebted to anyone.

Humanitarian ways and generosity: On seeing Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) a passer by avoided him and took a different path. When Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) questioned as to why he did so, he replied that he was ashamed of himself as he was Imaam Abu Hanifah’s debtor of 10,000 Dirhams. The man’s humbleness over took Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) and so he forgave the repayment of the debt.

Kind heartedness: Once, whilst sitting in a Masjid Imaam Sahib learnt of someone who had fallen from a roof. Immediately, the Imaam departed from the gathering, barefooted, and ran to the place of accident. Until the injured recovered, the Imaam paid daily visits to nurse him.

Disposition: The Imaam would never speak unless it was necessary to do so. Someone mentioned before Sufyan Thawri (RA) that he had never heard the Imaam backbiting. Sufyan (RA) replied, "Abu Hanifah (RA) is not such a fool that he will destroy his own good deeds."


ABSTINENCE AND GOD FEARING WAYS:

Sharik has stated, "I have never once observed Imaam Abu Hanifah reposing within the nights hours."

Abu Nu’aym states, "Even before observing salaah Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) would weep and supplicate before Allah."

There is no such Surah within the Qur’an which I have not recited during Nafl prayers." - Abu Hanifah (RA)

Kharija lbn Mus’ab has stated that 4 religious leaders have completed the recitation of the entire Qur’an in one rakaah of salaah alone. Uthmaan Ibn Affaan (RA), Tameen Daari (RA), Sa’eed Ibn Jubair (RA) and Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA).

There was once acknowledgment of a stolen sheep. Imaam Abu Hanifah inquired and researched as to how long a sheep lives. After finding out, he never ate sheep for 7 years, fearing that the meat may be from the stolen sheep.

For 40 consecutive years the Imaam observed a nocturnal practice of performing Fajr salaah with the ablution of Esha.


TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS:

Trial No.1:
During the reign of Ibn Hubaira Imaam Abu Hanifah ( R.A.) rejected his request of the post of Chief Justice. (As Imaam Sahib did not want to collaborate with the corrupt).

Consequence of Rejection:
Tormented by passing through the city mounted upon a horse, whereby he was whipped 10 times a day for eleven consecutive days.

Trial No.2:
During the reign of Abu Jaafar Mansoor again the above request was pledged, yet again rejected.

Consequence of Rejection: Imprisoned and violently beaten.

Prolongation of Trial: Khalifa Abu Ja’far Mansoor again urged that the Imaam should reconsider. Finally, the Imaam swore by Allah that he would not accept.

Consequence: Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA) was lashed, shirtless 30 times, drawing blood that seeped to his heels. He was again imprisoned, with restricted rations for 15 days, after which he was forcefully made to drink a poison that led to his martyrdom.

AGE & DATE OF DEATH: 70 years of age : 150 A.H. in the month of Rajab. (others have stated Sha’baan and Shawwaal also).

BURIAL: Six Janaazah salaah were conducted in order to cater for more than 50,000 people whom had collected. His son, and only child; Hammad, lead the last Janazah salaah.

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Imaam-e Daarul Hijrah; Imaam of Madina Munawwarah was the appellation of lmam Maalik (RA.). As well as being a great muhaddith (Scholar of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ) and mujtahid, Imaam Maalik (RA) was also renowned for his pious, abstinent God fearing, and truthful ways.

A great number of scholars and muhadditheen have spoken and referred to Imaam Maalik’ S (RA) great knowledge and literary works. Amongst his various literary compilations ‘ kitaabul Mu’atta’ is the most eminent.

Imaam Shaafi’ee (RA) has stated regarding ‘Kitaabul Mu’atta’: ‘On the face of the earth there is no kitaab more authentic than Mu’atta." It should be borne in mind that Imaam Shafi’ee (R. A.) passed away in the year 204 A.H. before the compilation of Sahih Bukhari. Today, it is a unanimously agreed opinion that Sahih Bukhari is ranked as No.1 in this field.

He was born in the era of Taabi’een, Imaam Maalik (RA) acquired knowledge from many famous Taabi’een, jurists and muhadditheen.

Due to Imaam Maalik’ s (RA) intelligence, efforts, zeal and determination, upon reaching the age of 17, he had acquired a vast amount of Islamic knowledge which was of great standard and it was at this very age, with the approval of his teachers and scholars that Imaam Maalik (RA) commenced teaching and conducting theories (Fataawaa).

LINEAGE: Maalik Ibn Anas Ibn Maalik Ibn Abi Aamir Ibn Umar lbnul Haarith Ibn Gaymaan Ibn Jushayl lbn Amr Ibnul Haarith Al - Asbahi.

YEAR & PLACE of BIRTH: The most authentic recording is 93 A.H in a place within the state of ‘Jarf’ called ‘Zee Marwah’.

SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: Imaam Maalik (RA) was a Tabe’ Taabi’ee. hence, he acquired a great amount of knowledge from Taabi’ een.

ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE: From infanthood Imaam Maalik (RA) was surrounded by the very gardens of Madinah Munawwarah. Imaam Maalik (RA) did not set foot outside Madinah Munawwarah for purposes of acquiring knowledge. His own household was a resort of knowledge.

Imaam Maalik (RA) acquired Qur’anic teachings from Naafe’ and Abdur Rahmaan Other than Naafe’, Imaam Maalik (RA) sought knowledge from others too. Namely, Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Hurmuz, Safwaan Ibn Sulaym, Ibn Shihaab Zuhri etc.

SOME OF IMAAM MAALIK’S (RA) TEACHERS: Rabee’atur Raa’ i, Naafe’ Maulaa Ibn Umar, Muhammad Ibn Muslim Ibn Shihaab Zuhri, Aamir Ibn Abdullah Ibn Zubayr, Zayd Ibn Aslam, Saeed Maq’baree, Abu Haazim, Salma Ibn Deenar, Shareek Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abu Numayr, Saalih Ibn Qay’ saan, Abuz-zinaad, Muhammad Ibn Munkadir (May Allah be pleased with them all).

SOME OF IMAAM MAALIK’S STUDENTS: Within Imaam Maalik's (RA) teaching groups, the number of students is great. Qaadi Ayaadh (RA) has recorded over 1300, amongst this group were Imaam Maalik’s (RA) own teachers, scholars, peers and subordinates - Namely a few are Ibn Shihaab Zuhri, Yahyaa Ibn Saeed Al-Qaari, Yazeed Ibn Abdullah, Sufyaan Thawri, Awzaa’i, Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah, Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Mahdi, Abdullah lbn Mubarak, Imaam Shaafi’ee, Ibn Qaasim, Abu Aasim etc. etc. (May Allah be pleased with them all).

IMAAM MAALIK’ S (RA) LITERARY WORKS:

Kitaabul Mu’atta
Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Ibn Wahab Fil Qadr
Al-Mudawwanatul Kubraa
Risaalatu Maalik Fil Aq’dhiyah
Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Gassaan Ibn Muhammad Ibn Mutarrif Fil Fatwaa
Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Haaroonir Rasheed Al’ Mash’ hooratu Fil Aadaabi Wal Mawaa’ iz
Tafseeru Ghareebil Qur’aan
Kitaabus Sirr
Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Layth Fi Ijmaa’i Ahlil Madinah.

IMAAM MAALIK’S CHARACTERISTICS:

Imaam Maalik (RA) was very cautious in procuring fatawaa

Imaam Maalik (RA) was very active within the conduct of Sunnah

Imaam Maalik (RA) loathed innovations (bidaah).

Matters of belief( aqaaid ) were very religiously followed by way of Qur’an and sunnah.

Although during Imaam Maalik’ s (RA) era there were many sects that arose, yet Imaam Maalik (RA) refrained from enjoining with these.

When the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was mentioned, the colour of Imaam Maalik’ s (RA) face would change.

Imaam Maalik (RA) never recited a hadith without ablution.

Caliph Harun Rashid requested that Imaam Maalik’s kitaab, Mu’atta, should be displayed in the Kaaba, and that all Muslims be imposed to follow Imaam Maalik within all jurisprudential matters. Imaam Maalik (RA) refused saying " Refrain from this as the Companions of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam themselves held opposing views within subsidiary masaail. The common folk already follow these differing views. All are upon the righteous path."

IMAAM MAALIK’ S METHOD OF TEACHING:

Imaam Maalik (RA) would appoint his specific writer; Habeeb, to recite Ahaadeeth from Mu’atta (a prestigious hadith kitaab compiled by Imaam Maalik (RA)). The other students and participants would silently listen attentively, due to the fear and respect of lmam Maalik (RA). No student would look into his kitaab or ask any questions. If Habeeb would make an error within the recital, Imaam Maalik (RA) would promptly rectify the error. If the door was crowded with students lmam Maalik (RA) would call them inside. Occasionally, Imaam Maalik (RA) would read himself from Mua’tta. Yahya Ibn Bukayr has stated: ‘I have heard the kitaab Muatta recited directly by Imaam Maalik (RA) a number of 14 times."

Imaam Maalik’s (RA) daughter Fatima had memorised the kitaab Mu’atta; during lessons she would stand behind the door, if the recitor made an error, she would tap her nails on the door. Imaam Maalik (R. A) would understand her action and rectify the error.

Imaam Maalik’ s (RA) son Yahyaa later grew to become a great man of knowledge. He also journeyed to Egypt and conducted lessons of Ahaadeeth.

IMAAM MAALIK’S (RA) CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN:

Ibn Hazm (RA) has written : ‘Imaam Maalik (RA) had two boys; Yahyaa and Muhammed. One grandson Ahmed Ibne Yahyaa Ibne Malik.’

Imaam Malik (RA) also had a daughter named Fatima.

IMAAM MAALIK’ S FATEFUL DEATH:

During the last few years of his life, Imaam Maalik (RA) preferred to remain alone. He never even used to attend the Jamaa’ at Friday prayer and used to say that not everyone can openly explain themselves.

According to another statement, Imaam Maalik (RA) imparted that he had a weak bladder. In this condition he found it to be disrespectful to visit Masjid-e-Nabawi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). He further stated that he did not wish to voice his illness as it would be likened to complaining upon that which Allah had procured him with. Hence, Imaam Maalik (RA) remained ill for a number of 22 days. On Monday 14th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 179 A H., Imaam Maalik (RA) took leave from this world.

To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return).

Ibn Kanaanaa and Ibn Zubyr performed Ghusl. Imaam Maalik’s son; Yahyaa and his student (calligrapher) Habeeb poured the water, and as Imaam Maalik (RA) had willed, he was shrouded in a white cloth. Ameere Madeenah Abdul Azeez Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem led the Janazah prayer. Before his death, Imaam Maalik (RA) recited Tashah’hud (verification of the oneness of Allah) and then said:

"With Allah is the command in the past and in the future."

[Surah Ar-Rum: verse 4]

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Imaam Shafi’ee (RA) was a great scholar of his time. He acquired a great amount of knowledge at a very tender age. Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) was highly ranked for his knowledge and understanding of jurisprudence.

He held teachings which due to their great effect, people from afar would come to attend. Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) respected and honoured his pupils with utmost kindness.

Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) did not commit himself to worldly affairs and was very intimate. He himself is the author of many momentous kitaabs, which due to their usefulness are read widely amongst people.

GENEOLOGY:

Imaam Abu Abdullah Muhammed Ibn Idris Ibn Abbas Ibn Uthman Ibn Shafi’ee Ibn Saa’ib Ibn Ubayd Ibn Abd Yazeed Ibn Hashim Ibn Muttalib Ibn Abd Munaf Qurayshi Muttalibi Hashimi (RA).

BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD:

Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) has stated that, "I was born in 150 A.H, in a town in Syria called Gazah. When I was two years old I was brought to Makkah."

BLESSED FORETELLING:

Imaam Shafi'ee’s (RA) mother reports of an incident before the birth of Imaam Shafi’ee (RA) where in her dream she sighted the Jupiter star emerging from her womb and embarking in the province of Egypt. She distinguished a radiant light emitting from this star illuminating the entire city. She questioned the wise men of the city to interpret this dream, who notified her that in the near future she was due to give birth to a learned scholar whose knowledge would be beneficial far and wide.

PRIMARY EDUCATION:

In Makkah Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) started an elementary religious school after which he gained education in Madinah. With the training of archery and horse riding and with the knowledge of religious education, he lived in the tribe of Banu Huzayl in Makkah, and he gained a high degree of Arabic poetry. Apart from this he listened to hadith narrated by his uncle, Muhammad Ibn Shafi’ee and Muslim Ibn Khalid Zanji.

ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE:

Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) states, "I was an orphan, my mother used to support me, I never even used to have enough money to pay my fees. When the teacher used to teach the children I used to listen and learn it off by heart straight away. So in the teacher’s absence I used to teach, because of this the teacher was very happy with me, so in return he agreed on teaching me free.

As it was very hard for my mother to pay for my stationary I used to choose bones, stones and palm leaves to write on. At the age of seven I knew the whole Qur’an with knowledge of its meaning and I learnt Mu’atta Imaam Maalik at the age of 10.

SOME OF IMAAM SHAFI’EE’S (RA) TEACHERS:

Muhammed Ibn Ali Ibn Shafi’ee, Imaam Shafi'ee’s (RA) uncle. He narrated a hadith from Abdullah Ibn Ali Ibn Saa’ib Ibn Ubayd

Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah Makki, Imaam Shafi'ee’s (RA) teacher from Makkah.

Imaam Maalik Ibn Anas (RA); Imaam Shafi'ee's oldest teacher from Madinah.

A few other teachers of Imaam Shafi’ee (RA) : Muslim Ibn Khalid Zanji Haatim Ibn Ismail, Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad Ibn Abi Yahya, Hishaam Ibn Yusuf Sinani, Marwan Ibn Mu’aawiyah, Muhammad Ibn Ismail Dawood Ibn Abdul Rahman, Ismail Ibn Ja’far, Hisham Ibn Yusuf etc.

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) keenly practiced upon attributes that were praised within Ahaadeeth and Qur’an, and was a flawless exemplary character. Many incidents have been recorded manifesting these attributes:

INDEPENDENCE AND GENEROSITY:
Imaam Shafi’ee (RA) restrained himself from the rest of the world, he was independent, generous, broad-minded and very understanding.

Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) left the Yemeni Government and came to Makkah, he had 10,000 dinars with him. On the outskirts of the city there was an encamp, people came out to meet Imaam Shafi'ee (RA), amongst them there was a group of poor, needy people. He distributed the whole amount to them and after entering Makkah he asked for a loan.

Rabi’ has related that Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) used to give Sadaqah daily and in the Holy month of Ramadhan he used to give away clothes and large amounts of money to the poor and indigents.

INTELLIGENCE AND ELOQUENCE:
Abu Ubayd has related that, "I have never seen anyone as knowledgeable and talented as Shafi’ee (RA), and no-one as perfect as him. " Haroon Ibn Saeed Ayli states that if Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) wanted to prove that a stone pillar is a stick, it would be possible for him.

DESCRIPTION AND APPEARANCE:
Muzani has narrated, "I have never seen anyone as handsome as Imaam Shafi’ee (RA). The complexion of his cheeks was fair, and when he used to stroke his beard it was never more than a handful. Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) used to dye his hair with ‘henna’. He liked scent. Whichever pillar he used to lean against whilst teaching, the fragrance would linger onto the pillar."

WORSHIP AND MYSTIC EXERCISE:
Every night Imaam Shafi'ee (RA) used to complete the Qur’an, and in Ramadhan throughout the day and night he used to complete the Qur’an twice. It is stated that in Ramadhan he used to finish the Qur’an 7 times in salaah.

AGE AND DATE OF DEATH:

58 years of age: 204 A.H. in the month of Rajab on Friday, in Egypt.

The Governor of Egypt led the Janazah prayers. His two sons Abul Hasan Muhammad and Uthmaan were present for the funeral rites. Imaam Shafi’ee (RA) who has followers all over the world was buried near Mount Mukatram.

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Imaam Abu Abdullah; Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (RA) was born in Baghdad, where a great number of scholars and muhadditheen were present. Imaam Ahmad (RA) traveled far and wide in order to acquire knowledge. During the period of acquiring knowledge Imaam Ahmad (RA) made every effort to practice upon every prophetic tradition.

Imaam Ahmad (RA) was well known for his God-fearing and abstinent ways, for these reasons he was top-rated amongst the great people of his time.

Amongst Imaam Ahmad's (RA) literary works Kitaabul-Musnad (Musnade-Ahmad) is the most popular. A total number of 40 000 Ahaadeeth have been recorded.

NAME AND GENEOLOGY:

Imaam Ahmed Ibn Muhammad Ibn Hanbal Ibn Hilaal Ibn As’ad Ibn Idrees Ibn Abdullah Ibn Hayyaan Ibn Abdullah Ibn Anas.

YEAR AND PLACE OF BIRTH:

During the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal 164 A.H, Imaam Ahmad (RA) was born in Baghdad. Following a short while after his birth, Imaam Ahmad (RA) Ibn Hanbal’s father took leave from this world. Imaam Ahmad (RA) himself has reported, "Neither have I seen my father, nor my grandfather. My mother brought me up."

ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE:

During his childhood days Imaam Ahmad (RA) acquired basic teachings at a Maktab. It was from these very days his good character, pious and scholastic ways were recognised.

Abu Afeef (RA) has reported, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (RA) was within our learning group at the Maktab. At that time he was very young, and we, as students were aware of his piety.

Having acquired basic teachings, at the age of 16, Imaam Ahmad (RA) commenced the teachings of ahaadith, which was done within the teaching circles of Qaadi Abu Yusuf (RA).

Having acquired knowledge from the great scholars and Muhadditheen of Baghdad, Imaam Ahmad (RA) further traveled to Kufa, Basrah, Makkah, Medina, Yemen, Syria etc, and acquired knowledge from their great scholars.

SOME OF IMAAM AHMAD'S (RA) TEACHERS:

Ismaa'eel Ibn Ulayyah, Hushaym Ibn Basheer, Hammad Ibn Khaalid Khayyaat, Mansoor Ibn Salama Khazaa'i, Uthmaan Ibn Umar Ibn Faaris, Abun-Nadhr Haashim Ibn Qaasim, Yazeed Ibn Haroon Waasiti, Muhammad Ibn Ja'far Gundur, Wakee Ibn Jarrah, Abu Usaamah, Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah, Muhammad Ibn Idrees Shaafi'ee (RA) etc.

SOME OF IMAAM AHMAD'S (RA) STUDENTS:

Imaam Ahmad's (RA) two sons; Saalih and Abdullah, Hanbal Ibn Is'haaq, Hasan Ibn Sabbah Bazzar, Abbas Ibn Muhammad , Muhammad Ibn Ismaa'eel Bukhari, Abu Zur'aa Raazi, Ibrahim Harabi, Husayn Ibn Mansoor, Dawood Ibn Amr, Khalaf Ibn Hishaam, Abul Qaasim Bagawi.

IMAAM AHMAD'S (RA) LITERARY WORKS:

Kitaabul Musnad ( Musnad-e-Ahmad )
Kitaabut Tafseer
Kitaabun Naasikh Wal Mansookh
Kitaabut Taareekh
Kitaabu Hadeeth-e-Shu'baa
Kitaabul Muqaddam Wal Mu'akhar Fil Qur'aan
Kitaabu Jawaabaatil Qur'aan
Kitaabul Manaasikil Kabeer
Kitaabul Manaasikis Sagheer.

IMAAM AHMAD'S (RA) CHILDREN:

His children:

Saalih, (born from Imaam Ahmad's first wife Aa'isha)
Abdullah, (born from Imaam Ahmad's second wife Rayhaanah)

The following were born from a slave girl Imaam Ahmad (RA) purchased:


Zainab Umme Ali
Hasan and Husayn, (twins, who passed away shortly after birth)
Hasan
Muhammad
Saeed

IMAAM AHMAD'S (RA) FATEFUL DEATH:

In Rabi-ul-Awwal, nine days before his death on the 2nd, Imaam Ahmad (RA) fell ill. During these days crowds of people would gather in order to greet Imaam Ahmad (RA). Hence, two days before his death Imaam Ahmad (RA) slowly requested for young children to be brought by his bedside. Children would attend his bedside one by one. Imaam Ahmad (RA) would place his hand on their heads and weep.

However, on Thursday Imaam Ahmad's (RA) situation worsened and on Friday morning on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Imaam Ahmad (RA) took leave from this world.

Imaam Ahmad's (RA) fateful death not only caused grief to Muslims, but also to Jews, Christians and Fire-worshippers. Over 600,000 people attended the Janaazah prayer, and for one week Salaat-ul-Janaazah was offered at his grave. Imaam Ahmad (RA) was 77 years of age when he took leave from this world.

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