Abu Bakr al-Baqillani
Imam Abu Bakr, also known as Muhammad ibn al-Tayyib ibn Muhammad ibn Ja’far ibn Qasim al-Basri al-Baqillani al-Baghdadi, is often referred to as the Sheikh of Sunnah and the Voice of the Ummah. He earned this title due to his considerable contributions in defending the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against the challenges posed by various adversaries, including Christians. Al-Baqillani was an extraordinary scholar, renowned for his eloquence and wisdom. He authored numerous texts that addressed and refuted the views of the Khawarij, the Rafi’ah, the Mu’tazilah, the Jahmites, and others. He passed away in the year 403 AH (Hegira).
Notable Incidents from Al-Baqillani’s Life
Throughout his life, Al-Baqillani (may Allah have mercy on him) encountered many significant interactions with both Christians and others, showcasing his wisdom and quick ability to respond to unfounded accusations against Islam and Muslims. Some of his most compelling rebuttals include:
- When a Christian challenged him, claiming that Muslims are prejudiced for marrying Christian and Jewish women while refusing to marry their Muslim daughters to Jews or Christians, Al-Baqillani replied, “We marry Jewish women because we believe in Moses and Christian women because we believe in Jesus. Whenever you believe in Muhammad, we shall marry you our daughters.”
- On one occasion, the King of Rome invited Al-Baqillani and admitted him through a side door. Sensing that the king intended for him to bow upon entry, Al-Baqillani instead entered with his back turned to the king, in defiance of such expectations.
- Al-Baqillani once inquired of a Christian monk about his family and children, to which the monk expressed dismay, asserting that he does not marry. Al-Baqillani found it puzzling that the monk shunned marriage and procreation, despite attributing these aspects to God (Exalted is He).
- When questioned by the King of Rome regarding the incident involving the Prophet’s wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), Al-Baqillani remarked that Aisha was similar to Mary (peace be upon her), both of whom were falsely accused of immorality by Jews and hypocrites. However, unlike Mary, who bore a child without marriage, Aisha did marry but did not have children. The king was left at a loss for a response.
The Passing of Imam Al-Baqillani
Imam Al-Baqillani (may Allah have mercy on him) passed away in the month of Dhul-Qi’dah in the year 403 AH. His son Hassan performed the funeral prayer over him, and Sheikh Abu al-Fadl al-Tamimi, a notable Hanbali scholar, proclaimed at his funeral, “This man was a defender of Sunnah and religion, a protector of the Shari’ah, who authored seventy thousand pages.”