Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi (Full Name and Ancestry)
Abu Sulayman Hamad ibn Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al-Khattabi was a direct descendant of the companion Zayd ibn Al-Khattab, the elder brother of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with them both.
Birth and Upbringing
He was born in the city of Bust, Afghanistan, in the year 319 AH (After Hijra). He was raised in a devout Muslim family where he studied Shafi’i jurisprudence, becoming an accomplished hadith scholar, jurist, and Shafi’i imam.
His quest for knowledge led him to travel extensively, enduring hardships in pursuit of learning. He studied under many scholars, including Sheikh Ibn Al-A’arabi, and focused on various disciplines such as literature, hadith, and jurisprudence.
Al-Khattabi was dedicated to earning a lawful livelihood and established himself as an honest trader who generously utilized his earnings. His character reflected his scholarly nature, as he was well-versed in Arabic language, grammar, poetry, jurisprudence, and hadith. He was also a poet, gaining recognition from his peers who praised him in their verses and lamented his passing.
Travel and Places of Residence
The principal aim of Al-Khattabi’s travels was the pursuit of knowledge. He undertook long journeys to learn hadith, residing in Naysabur for several years, where he significantly benefited the local community with his expertise. He also traveled to regions such as Iraq, Khurasan, and the Hijaz, visiting the holy city of Mecca.
Teachers and Mentors
Al-Khattabi received hadith knowledge from prominent scholars, including Ibn Al-A’arabi, Ibn Al-Saffar, and Abu Al-Abbas Al-Asamm (Muhammad ibn Ya’qub Al-Naysaburi). His educational journey also involved learning from several other notable figures, such as the Sufi master Ja’far Al-Khuldi, Ibn Dasa, Muqarrim Al-Qadi, and Abu Ali Al-Saffar.
Interestingly, according to some accounts, later in his life, Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi was influenced by his mentors and turned towards Sufism, seeking solitude.
Students of Imam Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi
Many students of knowledge sought guidance from Imam Abu Sulayman, including notable figures such as Abu Hamid Al-Isfaraini and Abu Ahmad Al-Hakim.
Works by Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi
Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi, may Allah have mercy on him, authored several significant works:
- Ma’alim Al-Sunan
- On the Importance of Supplication
- Isolation
- Exemplary Scholars of Hadith with Commentary on Sahih Al-Bukhari
- A Treatise on the Miraculous Nature of the Quran
- A Manuscript on Jihad
- Correction of Mistakes by Hadith Scholars
- Self-Sufficiency from Controversial Discourse and Its Adherents
Al-Jawzi’s Reflection on Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi and His Passing
Abu Al-Faraj Ibn Al-Jawzi described him as possessing profound knowledge and excellent understanding, highlighting his expertise in grammar, the Arabic language, and jurisprudence.
Abu Sulayman Al-Khattabi passed away in the month of Rabi’ Al-Thani in the year 388 AH, in his birthplace, the city of Bust.