Who is Abu Sulayman al-Darani?
Abu Sulayman al-Darani, also known as Abdul Rahman ibn Ahmad al-Darani or Abdul Rahman ibn Ahmad al-Unsiy, was born in the year 140 AH in Daraya, a village in the region of Ghouta, Syria. He is recognized as one of the prominent scholars of his time, known for his piety and asceticism, establishing himself as one of the best representatives of the scholarly community in the Levant. Notably, he was a distinguished narrator of hadith and spent significant time traveling between Baghdad and Damascus, both to seek knowledge and to impart it. He was among the trustworthy scholars who made it a point to acquire knowledge and transmit hadith accurately.
What Did Abu Sulayman al-Darani Achieve?
As one of the most learned and ascetic scholars of his time, Abu Sulayman al-Darani made substantial contributions to the field of hadith. Many other scholars learned numerous hadiths from him and preserved his sayings, showcasing the depth of his knowledge and his commitment to piety. He is renowned in the realm of Sunni Sufism, having gained prominence in the third century AH, and is recognized as a figure of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaʿah. He was notably influenced by Sufyan al-Thawri, and Imam al-Dhahabi referred to him in his work, “Siyar A’lam al-Nubala,” as the “great imam and ascetic of the era.”
Who Were Abu Sulayman al-Darani’s Teachers?
Abu Sulayman al-Darani studied under several esteemed teachers, including:
- Sufyan ibn Saeed ibn Masrook al-Thawri al-Kufi.
- Ja’far ibn Hayyan al-Attardi.
- Al-Qalamah ibn al-Harith.
- Salih ibn Abdul Jalil.
Who Were Abu Sulayman al-Darani’s Students?
Among the most notable students who learned from Abu Sulayman al-Darani are:
- Al-Qasim ibn Othman al-Dimashqi, also known as Abu Abdul Malik.
- Ahnad ibn Abi al-Hawari, Abdullah ibn Maimun al-Thalabi.
What Are Abu Sulayman al-Darani’s Notable Sayings?
Here are some of the significant and famous sayings attributed to him that were recorded by his contemporaries and students:
- “He who has been inspired with good does not act upon it unless he hears it from reliable sources.”
- “The best deeds are those contrary to the desires of the self.”
- “He who sees value in himself has not tasted the sweetness of serving others.”
- “He who is preoccupied with himself is disengaged from the people; he who is preoccupied with his Lord is disengaged from both himself and the people.”
- “Whoever has trust in Allah regarding their sustenance will experience an improvement in their character, develop patience, and find peace during prayer.”
- “The root of every good is fear of the world, the key to worldly matters is being satiated, and the key to the afterlife is hunger.”
- “When the world settles in the heart, the afterlife departs from it.”
- “Whatever distracts you from Allah, be it family, wealth, or children, is a source of misfortune.”
- “The righteous are recognized by their ability to conceal calamities and preserve their dignities.”
- “The best way to draw close to Allah is for Him to witness your heart, seeking nothing from the world or the hereafter but Him.”
- “I advise you with five: if you are wronged, do not wrong others; if you are praised, do not become arrogant; if you are criticized, do not despair; if you are disbelieved, do not become angry; if you are betrayed, do not betray.”
- “If the devoted ones strive to express themselves in eloquence, humility will vanish from their hearts.”
When Did Abu Sulayman al-Darani Pass Away?
Abu Sulayman al-Darani passed away in the year 215 AH, though some sources indicate he may have died in 211 AH. According to the author of “Siyar A’lam al-Nubala,” Ahmad al-Hawari recorded that Abu Sulayman al-Darani died in 205 AH, ending a lifetime rich in knowledge, religious devotion, and the transmission of hadith. He lived to the age of 75, in the same town where he was born: Daraya, Damascus.