Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man
Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man, the esteemed Imam and jurist, is recognized as one of the most prominent scholars in Islamic history and the founder of the Hanafi school of thought. Renowned for his deep devotion, it is said that he spent minimal time sleeping at night, devoting most of it to worship.
His father, Thabit, was a wealthy merchant who embraced Islam wholeheartedly. It is reported that he had encountered Imam Ali (may Allah bless him), who prayed for him and his descendants, wishing them blessings and goodness. This article aims to delve into the life, teachings, and influential figures connected to Abu Hanifa, with the guidance of Allah.
An Overview of Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man
Name and Ancestry
Abu Hanifa’s full name is Al-Nu’man, and his father was Thabit ibn Marzuban. “Abu Hanifa” is a title that refers to Al-Nu’man. His ancestry traces back to a noble lineage from Persia, specifically the city of Kabul, which is the current capital of Afghanistan.
His grandfather, Marzuban, embraced Islam during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) and later settled in Kufa. Al-Nu’man is also referred to as “Al-Nu’man ibn Thabit ibn Zouta Al-Taymi, Al-Kufi, a freedman of the Banu Taim Allah ibn Thalabah.”
Place and Date of Birth
Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man was born in Kufa, Iraq, where his grandfather lived, in the year 699 AD, which corresponds to the 80th year of the Hijra. He was the only child of his parents, as they did not have any other offspring. Notably, he was born during the lifetime of several companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and he had the opportunity to meet Anas ibn Malik, who had come to Kufa during that time.
Upbringing
Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man was raised in Kufa, where he spent most of his life. His father, Thabit, was not only a prosperous merchant but also a righteous man who was firmly rooted in Islam, having even met Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him).
It is said that Abu Hanifa’s grandfather gifted Ali a confection called “Faludhaj” during the Nowruz festival, indicating the family’s affluent lifestyle, as such a delicacy was not typically accessible to those of lesser means. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is also reported to have prayed for blessings upon Thabit and his descendants. Thus, Abu Hanifa grew up in a household known for its religious adherence and guidance.
Because of his father’s profession as a merchant, Imam Abu Hanifa was initially frequently found in the marketplaces, attending to commerce. However, as he began his journey into knowledge, he shifted his focus away from trade, visiting the market solely to manage his business affairs.
He memorized the entire Quran and developed a strong attachment to its recitation, reportedly completing it around sixty times during Ramadan. While this figure may seem exaggerated, it highlights Abu Hanifa’s profound dedication to the Quran and his commitment to its teachings.
Scholarship of Abu Hanifa
Knowledge and Teachers
Abu Hanifa’s initial focus in learning revolved around theology, beliefs, and the foundations of religion, where he excelled remarkably, even before reaching the age of twenty. Subsequently, he delved into jurisprudence, studying under the prominent scholar Hamad ibn Abi Sulayman, from whom he acquired extensive knowledge, becoming one of his closest students. Hamad would often comment, “No one sits in the front of the circle beside me except Abu Hanifa.”
Imam Abu Hanifa dedicated himself to the study of various Islamic disciplines and other significant subjects before finally committing to the study of jurisprudence, recognizing its paramount importance in both this world and the Hereafter. He explored all branches of knowledge prior to his focus on jurisprudence, discovering that none were more noble, esteemed, or beneficial than this field.
Students
Among those who studied under Imam Abu Hanifa were several scholars who would later make significant contributions to Islamic knowledge. His students played a crucial role in establishing the foundational principles of the Hanafi school, often transcribing his teachings during their study sessions, where they would later review and refine what they had written according to his guidance.
This collaborative effort allowed his school of thought to thrive and be disseminated effectively. Notable pupils of Imam Abu Hanifa include:
- Sheikh Abu Yusuf Ya’qub ibn Ibrahim
Among his notable works is the “Book of Narrations” as well as “The Differences between Abu Hanifa and Ibn Abi Layla.”
- Mohammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani
One of the most distinguished students was Mohammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani, who played a crucial role in solidifying the principles of the Hanafi school and compiling its teachings, even though his time with Abu Hanifa was relatively brief. He also studied under Abu Yusuf, Al-Awzai, Malik, and other prominent jurists.
Death of Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man
Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man passed away in the year 150 AH during the month of Rajab. There are varying reports regarding the exact year of his death, with some suggesting 151 AH and others 153 AH. The most widely accepted opinion is the former. At the time of his passing, he was seventy years old.
It is reported that before his death, he spent forty years praying the Fajr prayer with the wudu (ablution) he made for the evening prayer. It is also said that he recited the Quran in the place of his death approximately seven thousand times, indicating his profound love for the Book of Allah. He was prayed over several times in Baghdad due to the large crowds that gathered for his funeral, with estimates reaching six times, illustrating the impact he had on his community. He was laid to rest in Baghdad.