Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Imam Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal was born in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the year 164 AH (780 CE) in Baghdad. His lineage traces back to Shayban, connecting with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Nizar ibn Ma’ad. His mother was originally from Marv and was pregnant with him when she traveled to Baghdad; his family hails from Basra. Imam Ahmad grew up in Baghdad, where he received his formative education. He extensively traveled in search of the Prophetic Hadith, visiting regions such as Basra, Hijaz, Yemen, and Kufa. Over the course of his life, he made the pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah five times, three of which were undertaken on foot. Imam Ahmad’s relentless pursuit of Hadith elevated his status to one of eminent scholarship, and he became widely recognized across the Islamic world. He passed away, may Allah have mercy on him, in Baghdad on a Friday, the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the year 241 AH (855 CE).
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and the Baker
During his travels, Imam Ahmad found himself in a strange city where he was unknown to the residents. Exhausted, he sought refuge in a mosque for rest. However, the mosque’s guard denied him entry, insisting he could not sleep there. Imam Ahmad requested to sleep at his feet only, but the guard forcibly removed him from the mosque. Despite his dignified and ascetic demeanor, a baker noticed Imam Ahmad’s predicament as he left the mosque. The baker kindly invited him to stay at his home. Upon arrival, Imam Ahmad observed the baker’s habit of continuously seeking forgiveness while kneading and baking bread. Curious about the effects of this practice, Imam Ahmad asked if the baker had experienced any benefits from his incessant seeking of forgiveness. The baker replied that every prayer of his had been answered by Allah except for one. When Imam Ahmad pressed for details about this unanswered prayer, the baker revealed that he had longed to see Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Imam Ahmad then introduced himself, saying, “I am Ahmad ibn Hanbal,” and added that he was led to the baker’s house by divine guidance, though he noted that this story is not verified about him.
Similar accounts are mentioned by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi in his book on the virtues of Imam Ahmad and by Ibn al-Najjar in his work “The Supplement to the History of Baghdad.” One notable story relates that when Imam Ahmad was released from his ordeal concerning the creation of the Qur’an, he feared the approach of Ishaq ibn Rahawaih. He traveled to meet him and, when he reached a city called Rayy, sought shelter in a mosque during a heavy downpour. As night fell, the mosque officials requested him to leave as they prepared to close. Imam Ahmad, affirming the sanctity of the mosque, remarked, “This is the house of Allah, and I am His servant.” When confronted with the choice of leaving or being dragged out, Imam Ahmad opted for the latter. While he ventured out into the storm, a man exited his house and asked where he intended to go at such an hour. Imam Ahmad replied that he was uncertain of his direction. The man invited him into his home, provided him with dry clothing, and offered him food. When the man inquired about his origin, Imam Ahmad disclosed that he was from Baghdad. The host then asked if he knew a man named Ahmad ibn Hanbal, to which Imam Ahmad responded, “I am Ahmad ibn Hanbal.” The host revealed himself to be Ishaq ibn Rahawaih. This story is also cited by Imam al-Dhahabi in his work “Siyar A’lam Al-Nubala,” although he critiqued it as being fabricated.
Works of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Imam Ahmad often discouraged his students from recording his words and teachings. However, some of his significant works have been preserved, including the “Musnad,” which consists of thirty thousand Hadith. He advised his son Abdullah to keep the Musnad safe, as it would serve future generations. Additionally, he authored works on Tafsir (exegesis), on the abrogated and abrogating verses, and on history. His writings also include “Hadith Shuba,” “The Precedence and Delay in the Qur’an,” “Responses to the Qur’an,” as well as large and small treatises on pilgrimage (Manasik). It is rare for any theological query not to have a reference from Imam Ahmad’s comprehensive knowledge in both foundational and derivative matters.
Imam Ahmad’s Teachings on Asceticism and Piety
Omar ibn Saleh al-Tartusi recounts an encounter with Imam Ahmad, where he asked what softens the heart. Imam Ahmad replied, “O my son, it is consuming what is lawful.” Abu Isma’il ibn Aasim al-Bayhaqi shared that he once spent a night at Imam Ahmad’s place. When Imam Ahmad placed water beside him, he found it untouched by morning. Imam Ahmad remarked, “Glory be to Allah! A man seeking knowledge has no nighttime devotion!” Ali ibn al-Madini recalled bidding farewell to Imam Ahmad and asking for advice. Imam Ahmad responded, “Indeed, let piety be your provision.” Abdullah, the son of Imam Ahmad, reports asking his father for counsel one day, to which Imam Ahmad replied, “My son, intend good, for as long as you intend good, you will remain in goodness.”
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s Wives and Children
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal married twice. His first wife, Abasa bint al-Fadl, bore him a son named Salih in the year 203 AH (818 CE). After her passing, Imam Ahmad spoke highly of her. He later married his second wife, Rayhana bint Umar, his cousin, who gave birth to their son Abdullah in the year 213 AH (828 CE). Following Rayhana’s death, Imam Ahmad purchased a servant girl named Husn who bore him a daughter named Zainab. She later had twins, Hasan and Husayn, who sadly passed away shortly after birth. Subsequently, she had two surviving sons, Hasan and Muhammad, who lived until they reached their forties, and later, she bore another son named Said.