Sufyan Al-Thawri
Sufyan Al-Thawri, whose full name is Abu Abdullah Sufyan ibn Said ibn Masrouq ibn Habib ibn Rafi ibn Abdullah Al-Thawri Al-Kufi, was born in the year 97 AH. He has been honored with numerous titles by scholars that reflect his knowledge, such as Sheikh of Islam, Imam of the Preservers of Hadith, and the Master of Scholars of his time. Additionally, he was often referred to as the Prince of the Faithful in Hadith. His father was a reputable scholar and a trustworthy Hadith narrator, serving as one of Sufyan’s key teachers. From a young age, Sufyan was deep in the pursuit of knowledge to the extent that he was called upon for legal opinions even before he had developed facial hair. He was known for his exceptional memory and sharp intellect, capable of memorizing everything he heard. He passed away, may Allah have mercy on him, in the year 161 AH.
The Knowledge and Virtues of Abu Sufyan
Sufyan Al-Thawri adhered to the methodology of the Companions and the Followers, may Allah be pleased with them, as well as to the beliefs of the Ahl al-Hadith. He devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge, traveling to Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, and became the most knowledgeable individual of his era, with over a thousand narrators reporting from him. He was recognized as one of the most diligent in preserving the Prophetic Hadith. Despite his vast knowledge, he was cautious in providing legal rulings and sought to ensure his actions aligned with his words. It is said that he practiced every Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he heard. Al-Thawri had numerous virtues, including dignity, humility, generosity, and a commitment to enjoining good, especially to the rulers, all while possessing a deep fear of Allah.
Al-Thawri and the Judiciary
It has been reported that the Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja’far Al-Mansur requested Sufyan Al-Thawri to assume the position of a judge. However, Al-Thawri refused the offer, prompting Al-Mansur to insist until he even resorted to threats of death. In response, Al-Thawri asked for a day to prepare and gather his judicial attire. When night fell, he packed his belongings and fled. Upon learning of his disappearance, Caliph Al-Mansur dispatched orders to all provinces to pursue Sufyan alive or dead. Additionally, it is noted that Caliph Al-Mahdi also sought his appointment to the judiciary, yet Al-Thawri again declined and escaped to Basra, continuing to move discreetly.