Biography of Imam Abu Hanifa R.A
In this strange world we live in, there are some people who after reading few spurious books written by people like Albani and other Anti-Hanafi authors start claiming to have become masters over fiqh and hadith sciences. In this process they are often seen giving random quotes from Khateeb al Baghdadi and others that Imam Abu Hanifa was a Jahimi, Kadhaab, Murji' and what not (Audhobillah Min Dhalik). Although in this article we shall cite comprehensive Ta'deel (authentication) on Imam al Adham Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullah) but before that let us prove the direct Ta'deel from Sayyidna Muhammad (Peace be upon him) which shall establish that even if Imam al-Bukhari (rah) or whosoever wrongly accused Imam Abu Hanifa, the accuser will not stand a chance for his qawl to be accepted because any saying of any Imam whatsoever cannot supersede the saying of Sayyidna Muhammad (Peace be upon him.
The Authentic Hadith and Sharh # 1
Book 031, Number 6177: (Sahih Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If the din were at the Pleiades, "EVEN THEN A PERSON FROM PERSIA" would have taken hold of it, or one amongst the Persian descent would have surely found it.
Imam Jalal ud-din as-Suyuti (rah) who is renowned to be Mujaddad of 9th century said of this hadith:
اقول: وقد بشر بالإمام ابي حنيفة فى الحديث
Translation: I say this hadith has Basharah (glad tiding) for Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullah) [Tabiyiz as-Sahifa bi Manaqib Abi Hanifa, Page # 31-33]
Then he also said:
فهذا أصل صحيح يعتمد عليه في البشارة والفضيلة نظير المحدثين الذين في الإمامين ويستغنى به عن الخبر الموضوع
Translation: In this hadith is the “SAHIH ASAL” in regards to Basharah and Fadheelat of (Imam Abu Hanifa) and It is “RELIED UPON” just like previous (hadiths) are upon other Muhaditheen (i.e. Imam ash-Shafi and Imam Malik whom Imam Suyuti mentions too). This Sahih hadith makes distinction between the fabricated hadith in his regard (i.e. all false accusations on Imam Abu Hanifa are destroyed due to this hadith) [Tabiyiz as-Sahifa bi Manaqib Abi Hanifa, Page # 31-33]
اقول: وقد بشر بالإمام ابي حنيفة فى الحديث
Translation: I say this hadith has Basharah (glad tiding) for Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullah) [Tabiyiz as-Sahifa bi Manaqib Abi Hanifa, Page # 31-33]
Then he also said:
فهذا أصل صحيح يعتمد عليه في البشارة والفضيلة نظير المحدثين الذين في الإمامين ويستغنى به عن الخبر الموضوع
Translation: In this hadith is the “SAHIH ASAL” in regards to Basharah and Fadheelat of (Imam Abu Hanifa) and It is “RELIED UPON” just like previous (hadiths) are upon other Muhaditheen (i.e. Imam ash-Shafi and Imam Malik whom Imam Suyuti mentions too). This Sahih hadith makes distinction between the fabricated hadith in his regard (i.e. all false accusations on Imam Abu Hanifa are destroyed due to this hadith) [Tabiyiz as-Sahifa bi Manaqib Abi Hanifa, Page # 31-33]
163-10/5 ع-أبو حنيفة الإمام الأعظم فقيه العراق النعمان بن ثابت بن زوطا التيمي مولاهم الكوفي: مولده سنة ثمانين رأى أنس بن مالك غير مرة لما قدم عليهم الكوفة رواه ابن سعد عن سيف بن جابر أنه سمع أبا حنيفة يقوله. وحدث عن عطاء ونافع وعبد الرحمن بن هرمز الأعرج وعدي بن ثابت وسلمة بن كهيل وأبي جعفر محمد بن علي وقتادة وعمرو بن دينار وأبي إسحاق وخلق كثير. تفقه به زفر بن الهذيل وداود الطائي والقاضي أبو يوسف ومحمد بن الحسن وأسد بن عمرو والحسن بن زياد اللؤلؤي ونوح الجامع وأبو مطيع البلخي وعدة. وكان قد تفقه بحماد بن أبي سليمان وغيره وحدث عنه وكيع ويزيد بن هارون وسعد بن الصلت وأبو عاصم وعبد الرزاق وعبيد الله بن موسى وأبو نعيم وأبو عبد الرحمن المقري وبشر كثير وكان إماما ورعا عالما عاملا متعبدا كبير الشأن لا يقبل جوائز السلطان بل يتجر ويتكسب.قال ضرار بن صرد: سئل يزيد بن هارون أيما أفقه: الثوري أم أبو حنيفة؟ فقال: أبو حنيفة أفقه وسفيان أحفظ للحديث. وقال ابن المبارك: أبو حنيفة أفقه الناس. وقال الشاقعي: الناس في الفقه عيال على أبي حنيفة. وقال يزيد: ما رأيت أحدًا أورع ولا أعقل من أبي حنيفة. وروى أحمد بن محمد بن القاسم بن محرز عن يحيى بن معين قال: لا بأس به لم يكن يتهم ولقد ضربه يزيد بن عمر بن هبيرة على القضاء فأبى أن يكون قاضيا. قال أبو داود رحمه الله: أن أبا حنيفة كان إماما.
وروى بشر بن الوليد عن أبي يوسف قال: كنت أمشي مع أبي حنيفة فقال رجل لآخر: هذا أبو حنيفة لا ينام الليل, فقال: والله لا يتحدث الناس عني بما لم أفعل, فكان يحيي الليل صلاة ودعاء وتضرعا. قلت: مناقب هذا الإمام قد أفردتها في جزء. كان موته في رجب سنة خمسين ومائة1 رضي الله عنه.
Translation: (al-Dhahabi said): Abu Hanifah "THE GREATEST IMAM (imam al-a‘zam)" the jurist of Iraq, Nu‘man ibn Thabit ibn Zuta al-Taymi (who were their masters) al-Kufi. He was born in 80 AH and saw Anas ibn Malik more than once when he came to them in Kufa. Ibn Sa‘d has narrated this from Sayf ibn Jabir that he heard Abu Hanifah say this. He narrated from ‘Ata’a, Nafi‘, ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Hurmuz al-A‘raj, ‘Adi ibn Thabit, Salamah ibn Kuhayl, Abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn ‘Ali, Qatadah, ‘Amr ibn Dinar, Abu Ishaq and many others. Zufar ibn Hudhayl, Dawud al-Ta’i, Qadi Abu Yusuf, Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, Asad ibn ‘Amr, Hasan ibn Ziyad al-Lu’lui, Nuh al-Jami‘, Abu Muti‘ al-Balkhi and others learned fiqh from him. He learned fiqh from Hammad ibn Abu Sulayman and others. Waki‘, Yazid ibn Harun, Sa‘d ibn al-Sult, Abu ‘Asim, ‘Abd al-Razzaq, ‘Ubayd Allah ibn Musa, Abu Na‘im, Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Muqri and others narrated from him. He was an imam, pious, knowledgeable, someone who practiced, someone who indulged in great worship and a man of great ranking; he would not accept the sultan’s gifts but would trade and earn a living.
Dirar ibn Sard said, Yazid ibn Harun was asked, ‘Who is a greater faqih, al-Thawri or Abu Hanifah?’ He replied, ‘Abu Hanifah was a greater faqih and Sufyan was greater in remembering hadith.’ Ibn al-Mubarak said, ‘Abu Hanifah was the greatest faqih among the people.’ Al-Shafi‘i said, ‘People are children to Abu Hanifah in fiqh.’ Yazid said, ‘I never saw anyone more god fearing and more intelligent than Abu Hanifah.’ Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Qasim ibn Mihraz narrated from Yahya ibn Ma‘in who said, ‘There is no issue with him; he was not accused of anything. Yazid ibn ‘Umar ibn Hubayrah imposed on him to take up the judiciary but he refused to be qadi.’ Abu Dawud (may Allah mercy him) said, ‘Imam Abu Hanifah was an imam.’
“Bishr ibn al-Walid narrates from Abu Yusuf who said, ‘I was walking with Abu Hanifah when a man said to another, “This is Abu Hanifah, he does not sleep at night.” Imam Abu Hanifah said, “I swear by Allah, people do not speak of me regarding that which I have not done.” He used to keep awake the night in prayer, du‘a and supplication.’ I (Imam Hafiz al-Dhahabi) say: I have devoted a chapter to the virtues of this imam. He died in Rajab, 150AH. May Allah be pleased with him.”
Reference: Imam Dhahabi,Tazkarra Hufaaz, Chapter 163, Page: 168-169 Click Here for Scanned Page (193)
From Leading Books of Jarh Wa Tadil
Blessings of Hazarth Ali R.A
ولد جدي في سنة ثمانين، وذهب ثابت إلى علي وهو صغير، فدعا له بالبركة فيه. وفي ذريته، ونحن نرجو من الله أن يكون استجاب ذلك لعلي رضي الله عنه فينا
Translation: Isma‘il ibn Hammad ibn Abu Hanifah informed us, ‘Nu‘man ibn Thabit ibn al-Marzaban was from among the free people of Persia. I swear by Allah, we were never enslaved. My grandfather was born in the eightieth year. Thabit(Father of Abu Hanifa) went to ‘Ali when he was small and he prayed for barakah for him and his children(future). We hope to see Allah accept ‘Ali’s (may Allah be pleased with him) prayer for us…’
References
1) Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 395 Click Here for Scanned Page (194)
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 423 Click Here for Scanned Page (200)
3)Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 401(Online) and Volume 10, Page 449 Click Here for Scanned Page (210)
4) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 376
Imam Abu Hanifa R.A Thiqa in Hadith
قال محمد بن سعد العوفي: سمعت يحيى بن معين يقول: كان أبو حنيفة ثقة لا يحدث بالحديث إلا بما يحفظه، ولا يحدث بما لا يحفظ
Translation: Muhammad Sa‘d al-‘Uwfi said, I heard Yahya ibn Ma‘in say, ‘Abu Hanifah was reliable (thiqah), he did not narrate a hadith except that which he remembered and did not narrate that which he did not.’
References:
1)Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 395 Click Here for Scanned Page (194)
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 424 Click Here for Scanned Page (201)
3)Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 401(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
وقال صالح بن محمد: سمعت يحيى بن معين يقول: كان أبو حنيفة ثقة في الحديث، وروى أحمد بن محمد بن القاسم بن محرز، عن ابن معين: كان أبو حنيفة لا بأس به. وقال مرة: هو عندنا من أهل الصدق، ولم يتهم بالكذب ولقد ضربه ابن هبيرة على القضاء، فأبى أن يكون قاضيا
Translation: Salih ibn Muhammad said, I heard Yahya ibn Ma‘in say, ‘Abu Hanifah was reliable in hadith.’ Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Qasim ibn Mihraz narrated from Ibn Ma‘in, ‘There is nothing wrong with Abu Hanifah.’ And he said once, ‘He is according to us from among the people of truth and was never accused of lying. Ibn Hubayrah imposed on him to take up the judiciary, but he refused to be a qadi…’
Translation: Salih ibn Muhammad said, I heard Yahya ibn Ma‘in say, ‘Abu Hanifah was reliable in hadith.’ Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Qasim ibn Mihraz narrated from Ibn Ma‘in, ‘There is nothing wrong with Abu Hanifah.’ And he said once, ‘He is according to us from among the people of truth and was never accused of lying. Ibn Hubayrah imposed on him to take up the judiciary, but he refused to be a qadi…’
References:
1) Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 395 Click Here for Scanned Page (194)
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 424 Click Here for Scanned Page (201)
قال صالح بن محمد الأسدي عن بن معين كان أبو حنيفة ثقة في الحديث وقال أبو وهب ومحمد بن مزاحم سمعت بن المبارك يقول أفقه الناس أبو حنيفة ما رأيت في الفقه مثله
Translation: Salih bin Muhammad al-Asadi narrates from (Yahya) bin Ma’een who said: Abu Hanifa is “THIQA IN HADITH” Abu Wahb and Muhammad bin Mazaham said that they heard Imam Ibn al-Mubarak say: Abu Hanifa is a greater faqih than all people and I have not seen anyone of his match in Fiqh
3) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 401, Narrator no: 819(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
About Narrator Salih bin Muhammad al asadi, Imam Dhahabi said
الحافظ العلامة الثبت شيخ ما وراء النهر أبو علي صالح بن محمد بن عمرو بن حبيب الأسدي
Hafiz, Allama, Thabat (Thiqah) Sheikh, river of knowledge Abu Ali Salih Bin Muhammad Bin Amr Bin habeeb Al Asadi
Reference: -Imam Dhahabi Tazkarat Al Huffaaz, Volume 2, Page: 15, Narrator ID: 664
At another Place he says
صالح بن محمد بن عمرو بن حبيب الأسدي..........
.........
الإمام الحافظ الكبير الحجة، محدث المشرق، أبو علي الأسدي البغدادي
Imam, Hafiz Al Kabeer, Hujjat, Muhaddith e Mashriq, Abu Ali Al Asadi...
.........
الإمام الحافظ الكبير الحجة، محدث المشرق، أبو علي الأسدي البغدادي
Imam, Hafiz Al Kabeer, Hujjat, Muhaddith e Mashriq, Abu Ali Al Asadi...
Reference: Imam dhahabi Sayyir Al Alaam An Nubala Volume 24, Page 14
Note: Some ignorant people, try to reject this Sahi quote saying, there is no sanad in it. Here it is what Imam Mizzi mentions right in the start of his book Tahzeeb ul Kamal
“That in which we did not mention its isnad between us and its speaker: that from them in the form of certainty (sighat al-jazm) [i.e. where he uses the active tense, like “he said”, “he narrated”],it is that which we know of no harm in its isnad from its speaker from whom it is related; and that thereof in the in the form of uncertainty (sighat al-tamrid) [i.e. using the passive tense, like “it was said”, “it was narrated”], then probably there is a problem in its isnad upto its speaker...” [Tahzeeb ul Kamal, volume 1, Page no: 153]
So according to Imam Mizzi, above quote is authentic. Hence, it is clear from al-Mizzi's relation of above narration in his Tahzeeb al-Kamal, followed by al-Dhahabi in his Siyar Alam al Nubala and Imam Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani in Tahdhib al-Tahdhib i.e opinion of Yahya ibn Ma'in is that Abu Hanifah is trustworthy.
Dream of Imam Abu Hanifa R.A
شعيب بن أيوب الصريفيني، حدثنا أبويحيى الحماني، سمعت أبا حنيفة يقول: رأيت رؤيا أفزعتني، رأيت كأني أنبش قبر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فأتيت البصرة، فأمرت رجلا يسأل محمد بن سيرين فسأله، فقال: هذا رجل ينبش أخبار رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
Translation: Shu‘ayb ibn Ayyub al-Sarifini said, Abu Yahya al-Himmani narrated to us, ‘I heard Abu Hanifah say, “I saw a dream that scared me. I saw I was digging up the grave of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). I came to Basrah and ordered a man to ask Muhammad ibn Sirin and he asked him. He said, ‘This man shall uncover the hadiths of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).’”’
References:
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 427 Click Here for Scanned Page (202)
3) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 377
Priority for Imam Abu Hanifa R.A
وروى نوح الجامع، عن أبي حنيفة أنه قال: ما جاء عن الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم، فعلى الرأس والعين، وما جاء عن الصحابة اخترنا، وما كان من غير ذلك، فهم رجال ونحن رجال.
Translation: Nuh al-Jami‘ narrates from Abu Hanifah that he said, ‘What is from the Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace), then that will gladly be given priority (‘ala al-ra’s wa al-‘ayn); what comes from the Companions, we shall choose, and what is apart from that, then they are men and we are men.’
References
In another report it is said: Book of Allah, From Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him), Companions........
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 443 Click Here for Scanned Page (209)
3) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402 (Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 451 Click Here for Scanned Page (212)
Imam Ibn Mubarak
المحدث محمود بن محمد المروزي، حدثنا حامد بن آدم، حدثنا أبو وهب محمد بن مزاحم، سمعت عبد الله بن المبارك يقول: لولا أن الله أعانني بأبي حنيفة وسفيان، كنت كسائر الناس.
Translation: The hadith scholar Mahmud ibn Muhammad al-Marwazi said that Hamid ibn Adam narrated to us that Abu Wahb Muhammad ibn Muzahim narrated to us that, ‘I heard ‘Abd Allah ibn Mubarak say, “If Allah had not aided me with Abu Hanifah and Sufyan, then I would have been like the rest of the people.”’
Translation: The hadith scholar Mahmud ibn Muhammad al-Marwazi said that Hamid ibn Adam narrated to us that Abu Wahb Muhammad ibn Muzahim narrated to us that, ‘I heard ‘Abd Allah ibn Mubarak say, “If Allah had not aided me with Abu Hanifah and Sufyan, then I would have been like the rest of the people.”’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 428 Click Here for Scanned Page (203)
3) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 401(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
وعن ابن المبارك قال: ما رأيت رجلا أو قر في مجلسه، ولا أحسن سمتا وحلما من أبي حنيفة.
Translation: Ibn al-Mubarak narrates, ‘I have never seen a man commanding so much respect in his gathering, and nor more beautiful in manners and gentleness than Abu Hanifah…’
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 400 Click Here for Scanned Page (197)
وقال الفقيه أبو عبد الله الصيمري: لم يقبل العهد بالقضاء، فضرب وحبس، ومات في السجن. وروى حيان بن موسى المروزي، قال: سئل ابن المبارك: مالك أفقه، أو أبو حنيفة ؟ قال: أبو حنيفة. وقال الخريبي: ما يقع في أبي حنيفة إلا حاسد
Translation: The jurist Abu ‘Abd Allah al-Saymari said, ‘He did not accept the position of qadi, so he was beaten, imprisoned and died in jail.’ Hayyan ibn Musa al-Marwazi said that Ibn al-Mubarak was asked, ‘Is Malik a greater jurist or Abu Hanifah?’ He replied, ‘Abu Hanifah.’ Al-Khuraybi said, ‘Only the jealous or ignorant disparages Abu Hanifah.’
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 402 Click Here for Scanned Page (198)
وقال ابن المبارك: أبو حنيفة أفقه الناس
Translation: “Ibn al-Mubarak said, ‘Abu Hanifah is the greatest faqih amongst the people.’
References
2) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 401 (Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
Imam Abdullah Ibn Mubarak couplets on Imam Abu Hanifa r.a
رأيت أبا حنيفة كل يوم يزيد نبالة ويزيد خيرا ... وينطق بالصواب ويصطفيه إذا ما قال أهل الجور جورا ... يقايس من يقايسه بلب فمن ذا تجعلون له نظيرا ... كفانا فقد حماد وكانت مصيبتنا به أمرا كبيرا ... فرد شماتة الأعداء عنا وأبدى بعده علما كثيرا ... رأيت أبا حنيفة حين يؤتى ويطلب علمه بحرا غزيرا ... إذا ما المشكلات تدافعها ... رجال العلم كان بها بصيرا
Translation: I've seen Imam Abu Hanifa on a daily basis he increases in nobility and in goodness he speaks the truth and that alone he chooses, When the tyrants speak with oppression he engages them with academic proofs using acumen who will you put for him as a comparison, The loss of Hammaad was a sufficient great calamity for us However, he has averted the taunting of the enemies from us, After him, he manifested a great deal of knowledge I've seen Abu Hanifa when he was brought and his knowledge was sought, he had a deep ocean of knowledge, When such intricacies come up which scholars cannot give solutions toImam Abu Hanifa has much insight in it
ابْنَ الْمُبَارَكِ، يَقُولُ: «إِنْ كَانَ أَحَدٌ يَنْبَغِي لَهُ أَنْ يَقُولَ بِرَأْيِهِ، فَأَبُو حَنِيفَةَ
Translation: Ibn al-Mubarak said: If there is any person whose opinion is worthy of being followed, it is that of Imam Abu Hanifa
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Manaqib al Imam Abi Hanifa lidh Dhahabi, Page 31 Click Here for Scanned Page (215)
عنَ عَبْدَانَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ ابْنَ الْمُبَارَكِ، يَقُولُ: «إِذَا سَمِعْتُهُمْ يَذْكُرُونَ أَبَا حَنِيفَةَ بِسُوءٍ سَاءَنِي ذَلِكَ، وَأَخَافُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَقْتَ مِنَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى
Translation: Abdaan says that he heard Ibn Mubarak r.a saying, “When I hear people speaking ill of Imam Abu Hanifa, I become displeased and I fear the displeasure of Allah on them.”
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Manaqib al Imam Abi Hanifa lidh Dhahabi, Page 36 Click Here for Scanned Page (217)
ابْنَ الْمُبَارَكِ، يَقُولُ: «كَانَ أَبُو حَنِيفَةَ آيَةً
Ibn al-Mubarak r.a praised Imam Abu Hanifa r.a
Translation: He(Ibn al Mubarak) called him(Abu hanifa) a "sign of Allah(Ayah)"
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Manaqib al Imam Abi Hanifa lidh Dhahabi, Page 30 Click Here for Scanned Page (214)
وَقَالَ حِبَّانُ بْنُ مُوسَى: سُئِلَ ابْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ: " أَمَالِكٌ أَفْقَهُ أَمْ أَبُو حَنِيفَةَ؟ ، فَقَالَ: أَبُو حَنِيفَةَ "
Translation: Hibban ibn Musa said: Ibn al-Mubarak r.a was asked, “Who is more knowledgeable in fiqh, Malik or Abu Hanifa?” He replied: “Abu Hanifa!”
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Manaqib al Imam Abi Hanifa lidh Dhahabi, Page 32 Click Here for Scanned Page (216)
Imam Amash R.A
وروى عن الاعمش أنه سئل عن مسألة، فقال: إنما يحسن هذا النعمان بن ثابت الخزاز، وأظنه بورك له في علمه
Translation: It has been narrated from A‘mash that he was asked regarding an issue, so he said, ‘Only Nu‘man ibn Thabit al-Khazzaz would be able to answer that expertly. I think he was blessed in his knowledge.’
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 403 Click Here for Scanned Page (199)
Imam Shafai R.A
محمد بن أيوب بن الضريس، حدثنا أحمد بن الصباح، سمعت الشافعي قال: قيل لمالك: هل رأيت أبا حنيفة ؟ قال: نعم.
رأيت رجلا لو كلمك في هذه السارية أن يجعلها ذهبا لقام بحجته
رأيت رجلا لو كلمك في هذه السارية أن يجعلها ذهبا لقام بحجته
Translation: Muhammad ibn Ayyub al-Duris said Ahmad ibn al-Sabah narrated to us, ‘I heard al-Shafi‘i say that Malik was asked, “Did you see Abu Hanifah?” He replied, “Yes, I saw a man if he were to speak to you regarding this pillar that he will make it gold then it would happen through his proofs.”’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 429 Click Here for Scanned Page (204)
3) Imam Dhahabi, Manaqib al Imam Abi Hanifa lidh Dhahabi, Page 30-31 Click Here for Scanned Page (214) and (215)
وقال الشافعي: الناس في الفقه عيال على أبي حنيفة. قلت: الامامة في الفقه ودقائقه مسلمة إلى هذا الامام. وهذا أمر لا شك فيه
Translation: Al-Shafi‘i said, ‘People are children to Abu Hanifah in fiqh.’ I (Imam Hafiz al-Dhahabi) say: leadership (imamat) in fiqh and its subtleties is resigned to this imam. And this is an issue in which there is no doubt.’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 433 Click Here for Scanned Page (205)
3) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
4) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 378
People love to quote Tarikh al Baghdad to Malign Imam Abu Hanifa [Through Weak and Fabricated chain], here it is with Sahih Sanad
Famous Student of Imam Abu Hanifa r.a i.e Imam Muhammed
حدثني الحسن بن محمد الخلال قال أنبأنا على بن عمرو الجريري ان على بن محمد النخعي حدثهم قال نا احمد بن حماد بن سفيان قال سمعت المزني يقول سمعت الشافعي يقول امن الناس على في الفقة محمد بن الحسن
Translation: Al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Khallal narrated to me: ‘Ali ibn ‘Amr al-Hariri reported to me that ‘Ali ibn Muhammad al-Nakha‘i narrated to them: Ahmad ibn Hammad ibn Sufyan narrated to us: I heard al-Muzani say: I heard al-Shafi‘i say: “The most fortunate of people upon me in fiqh was Muhammad ibn al-Hasan.”
All the narrators in the chain are thiqah
According to al-Khatib
1) Al-Hasan ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali Abu Muhammad al-Khallal is thiqa
Reference: Tarikh Baghdad Volume 8, Page no: 454
2) ‘Ali ibn ‘Amr ibn Sahl Abu l-Husayn al-Hariri is thiqah according to al-‘Atiqi
Reference: Tarikh Baghdad Volume 13, Page no: 470
3) Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Husayn Abu l-Qasim al-Nakha‘i known as “Ibn Kas” (d. 324) is thiqah-According to al-Khatib
Reference: Tarikh Baghdad Volume 13, Page no:540
4) Ahmad ibn Hammad ibn Sufyan (d. 297) is thiqah-According to al-Khatib
Al-Qaadhy Iyaadh(Famous Author of Book As Shifa) wrote:
قال الليث: لقيت مالكاً بالمدينة فقلت له: إني أراك تمسح العرق عن جبينك فقال مالك: عرقت مع أبي حنيفة، إنه لفقيه يا مصري
قال الليث: لقيت مالكاً بالمدينة فقلت له: إني أراك تمسح العرق عن جبينك فقال مالك: عرقت مع أبي حنيفة، إنه لفقيه يا مصري
Translation: Al-Layth Ibn Sa’d narrated: I met Malik in Madinah and I said to him: “I see that you’re wiping sweat from your forehead …”, so Malik replied: “Abu Hanifah made me sweat, he is truly a faqeeh (jurist), O Egyptian!”
Merits of Imam Abu Hanifa R.A
وقال بن أبي خيثمة ثنا سليمان بن أبي شيخ قال كان أبو حنيفة ورعا سخيا
Translation: Ibn Abi Khaythama said from Sulayman ibn Abu Shaykh: Abu Hanifa was extremely scrupulous (wari`) and generous (sakhi)
Reference: Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
وقال أحمد بن عبدة قاضي الري عن أبيه كنا عند بن عائشة فذكر حديثا لأبي حنيفة ثم قال أما أنكم لو رأيتموه لاردتموه فما مثله ومثلكم إلا كما قيل ... اقلوا عليهم ويلكم لا أبا لكم ... من اللوم أو سدوا المكان الذي سدوا ...
Translation: Ahmad ibn `Abda the Qadi of Ray said that his father said: We were with ibn A'isha when he mentioned a saying of Abu Hanifa then he said: Verily, if you had seen him you would have wanted him. Verily, his similitude and yours is as in the saying:
Even if you curse them less, I don't care to blame you.
But fill, if you can, the space that they filled
Even if you curse them less, I don't care to blame you.
But fill, if you can, the space that they filled
Reference: Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402 (Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 451 Click Here for Scanned Page (212)
وعن بن عيسى بن الطباع سمعت روح بن عبادة يقول كنت عند بن جريج سنة خمسين ومائة فأتاه موت أبي حنيفة فاسترجع وتوجع وقال أي علم ذهب قال وفيها مات بن
جريج وقال
Translation: Ibn Isa ibn al-Tabba said: I heard Rawh ibn Ubada say: I was with Ibn Jurayj in the year 150 when the news of Abu Hanifa's death reached him. He winced and pain seized him; he said: Verily, knowledge has departed (ay `ilmun dhahab)." Ibn Jurayj died that same year
Reference: Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
أحمد بن زهير، حدثنا سليمان بن أبي شيخ، حدثني حجر بن عبد الجبار قال: قيل للقاسم بن معن: ترضى أن تكون من غلمان أبي حنيفة ؟ قال: ما جلس الناس إلى أحد أنفع من مجالسة أبي حنيفة. وقال له القاسم: تعال معي إليه، فلما جاء إليه، لزمه وقال: ما رأيت مثل هذا
Translation: Ahmad ibn Zuhayr said that Sulayman ibn Abu Shaykh narrated to us that Hujr ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar narrated to me who said, Al-Qasim ibn Ma‘n was asked, ‘Does it please you to be the servants of Abu Hanifah?’ He replied, ‘The people have not sat with anyone more beneficial than Abu Hanifah.’ Al-Qasim then said to him, ‘Come with me to him.’ When he (the man who asked) came to him, he stayed with him and said, ‘I have not seen anyone like him.’
References
1) Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 398-399 Click Here for Scanned Page (195)-(196)
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 428 Click Here for Scanned Page (203)
وعن أسد بن عمرو، أن أبا حنيفة، رحمه الله، صلى العشاء والصبح بوضوء أربعين سنة.
Translation: Asad ibn ‘Amr narrates, ‘Abu Hanifah (may Allah mercy him) performed ‘Isha and the morning prayer with one wudu for forty years.’
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 399 Click Here for Scanned Page (196)
وروى بشر بن الوليد، عن القاضي أبي يوسف قال: بينما أنا أمشي مع أبي حنيفة، إذ سمعت رجلا يقول لآخر: هذا أبو حنيفة لا ينام الليل. فقال أبو حنيفة: والله لا يتحدث عني بما لم أفعل. فكان يحيى الليل صلاة وتضرعا ودعاء.
Translation: Bishr ibn al-Walid narrates from Qadi Abu Yusuf who said, ‘While I was walking with Abu Hanifah I heard a man saying to another, “This is Abu Hanifah, he does not sleep at night.” So Abu Hanifah said, “I swear by Allah, it is not spoken of me that which I have not done.” He used to keep awake the night in prayer, supplication and du‘a.’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 435 Click Here for Scanned Page (207)
3) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402 (Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
4) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 378
وقد روى من وجهين: أن أبا حنيفة قرأ القرآن كله في ركعة.
Translation: It has been narrated through two chains that Abu Hanifah recited the entire Qur’an in one rak‘ah
References
2) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 378
وعن شريك قال: كان أبو حنيفة طويل الصمت، كثير العقل. وقال أبو عاصم النبيل: كان أبو حنيفة يسمى الوتد لكثرة صلاته.
وروى بن إسحاق السمرقندي، عن القاضي أبي يوسف قال: كان أبو حنيفة يختم القرآن كل ليلة في ركعة
وروى بن إسحاق السمرقندي، عن القاضي أبي يوسف قال: كان أبو حنيفة يختم القرآن كل ليلة في ركعة
Translation: Sharik narrates, ‘Abu Hanifah is someone who would remain quiet for a long time and was someone of great intelligence.’ Abu ‘Asim al-Nabil said, ‘Abu Hanifah would be called al-watd (the pole) due to performing so many salah.’ Ibn Ishaq al-Samarqandi narrates from Qadi Abu Yusuf who said, ‘Abu Hanifah used to complete the Qur’an every night in one rak‘ah.’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 434 Click Here for Scanned Page (206)
3) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 378
يحيى بن عبدالحميد الحماني، عن أبيه أنه صحب أبا حنيفة ستة أشهر، قال: فما رأيته صلى الغداة إلا بوضوء عشاء الآخرة، وكان يختم كل ليلة عند السحر
Translation: Yahya ibn ‘Abd al-Hamid al-Himmani narrates from his father that he remained with Abu Hanifah for six months. He said, ‘I never saw him offer the morning prayer except with the wudu of the ‘Isha of the previous night. He would complete the Qur’an every night at dawn…’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 434 Click Here for Scanned Page (206)
3) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 378
قال مسعر بن كدام: رأيت أبا حنيفة قرأ القرآن في ركعة.
Translation: Masr ibn Kadam said: I saw Abu hanifa recited Qur’an in one rak‘ah
References
2) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 377
وقال أبو يوسف: قال أبو حنيفة: لا ينبغي للرجل أن يحدث إلا بما يحفظه من وقت ما سمعه
Translation: Abu Yusuf said that Abu Hanifah said, ‘It is not appropriate for a man to narrate except that which he has remembered at the time when he heard it.’
Reference:Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 401 Click Here for Scanned Page (197)
وعن أبي معاوية الضرير قال: حب أبي حنيفة من السنة
Translation: Abu Mu‘awiyah al-Dharir narrates, ‘Loving Abu Hanifah is from the Sunnah.’
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 401 Click Here for Scanned Page (197)
Translation: Nasr bin Ali al has said,I heard ibn dawood say: “People were either jealous or ignorant of Imam Abu Hanifa
References
1) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 441 Click Here for Scanned Page (208)
2) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402 (Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 451 Click Here for Scanned Page (212)
وقال يحيى بن سعيد القطان: لا نكذب الله، ما سمعنا أحسن من رأي أبي حنيفة، وقد أخذنا بأكثر أقواله
Translation: Yahya ibn Sa‘id al-Qattan said, ‘We do not lie in front of Allah. We have not heard any better opinion than that of Abu Hanifah. We have taken the majority of his opinions.’
References
2) Imam Mizzi, Tahzeeb ul Kamal, Volume 29, Page No: 433 Click Here for Scanned Page (205)
3) Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Tahdhib ut Tahdhib, Volume No.10, Page No. 402(Online) and Volume No. 10, Page No. 450 Click Here for Scanned Page (211)
وقال علي بن عاصم: لو وزن علم الامام أبي حنيفة بعلم أهل زمانه، لرجح عليهم
Translation: Ali ibn ‘Asim said, ‘If the knowledge of Imam Abu Hanifah were to be weighed against the knowledge of the people of his era, then he would surpass them.’
References
2) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 379
وقال حفص بن غياث: كلام أبي حنيفة في الفقه، أدق من الشعر، لا يعيبه إلا جاهل
Translation: Hafs ibn Ghiyath said, ‘The speech of Abu Hanifah in fiqh is finer than a hair; only an ignoramus finds fault in it.’
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 403 Click Here for Scanned Page (199)
وقال جرير: قال لي مغيرة: جالس أبا حنيفة تفقه، فإن إبراهيم النخعي لو كان حيا لجالسه
Translation: Jarir said, ‘Mughayrah said to me, “Sit with Abu Hanifah, you will gain insight in fiqh. If Ibrahim al-Nakha‘i were alive then he would have sat with him.”
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 403 Click Here for Scanned Page (199)
Passing Away of this Great Soul
قال إسحاق بن إبراهيم الزهري، عن بشر بن الوليد قال: طلب المنصور أبا حنيفة فأراده على القضاء، وحلف ليلين فأبى، وحلف: إني لا أفعل. فقال الربيع الحاجب: ترى أمير المؤمنين يحلف، وأنت تحلف ؟ قال: أمير المؤمنين على كفارة يمينه أقدر مني، فأمر به إلى السجن، فمات فيه ببغداد
Translation: Ishaq ibn Ibrahim al-Zuhri narrates from Bishr ibn al-Walid who said, ‘Mansur called for Abu Hanifah and wanted him to take up the judiciary and he swore that he will definitely take it. Imam Abu Hanifah refused and vowed, “I will not.” Al-Rabi‘ al-Hajib said, “You see the commander of the faithful taking an oath and you then also take an oath?” He replied, “The commander of the faithful is more capable of fulfilling the compensation for his oath than I.” He was sent to prison; he died there in Baghdad…’
References
2) Imam Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma', Narrator no: 771, page 376
وليس يصح في الاذهان شئ * إذا احتاج النهار إلى دليل وسيرته تحتمل أن تفرد في مجلدين، رضي الله عنه، ورحمه. توفي شهيدا مسقيا في سنة خمسين ومئة. وله سبعون سنة، وعليه قبة عظيمة ومشهد فاخر ببغداد، والله أعلم
Translation: And nothing will be correct in the minds, When even the day asks for proof that it is day. It is possible that his biography can be separated into two volumes. May Allah be pleased with him and mercy him. He died a martyr having been given poison to drink in 150AH; he was 70 years old. Upon his grave are a large dome and a splendid tomb in Baghdad. And Allah is the most knowledgeable.”
Reference: Imam Dhahabi, Siyar Alam al-Nubala, Volume 6, Page No: 403 Click Here for Scanned Page (199)
Testimony of the Pious Salaf on Imam Abu Hanifah
Imam Sufyan al-Thawri
أخبرنا الخلال أخبرنا الحريري ان النخعي حدثهم قال حدثنا عمر بن شهاب العبدي حدثنا جندل بن والق حدثني محمد بن بشر قال كنت أختلف إلى أبي حنيفة وإلى سفيان فآتي أبا حنيفة فيقول لي من أين جئت فأقول من عند سفيان فيقول لقد جئت من عند رجل لو أن علقمة والأسود حضرا لاحتاجا إلى مثله فآتي سفيان فيقول لي من أين فأقول من عند أبي حنيفة فيقول لقد جئت من عند أفقه أهل الأرض
Translation: Al-Khallal informed us: al-Hariri reported to us that al-Nakha‘i narrated to them: ‘Umar ibn Shihab al-‘Abdi narrated to us: Jandal ibn Waliq narrated to us: Muhammad ibn Bishr narrated to me: He said: I would frequent Abu Hanifah and Sufyan. I came to Abu Hanifah and he said to me, “From where did you come?” I said: “From the company of Sufyan.” He said: “Indeed you have come from the company of the man, that if ‘Alqamah and al-Aswad were present, they would need the like of him.” Then I came to Sufyan and he said to me, “From where did you come?” I said, “From the company of Abu Hanifah.” He said, “Indeed, you have come from the company of the best faqih from the inhabitants of earth (afqahi ahl al-ard).”- Its Isnad is "Sahih"
Translation: Al-Khallal informed us: al-Hariri reported to us that al-Nakha‘i narrated to them: ‘Umar ibn Shihab al-‘Abdi narrated to us: Jandal ibn Waliq narrated to us: Muhammad ibn Bishr narrated to me: He said: I would frequent Abu Hanifah and Sufyan. I came to Abu Hanifah and he said to me, “From where did you come?” I said: “From the company of Sufyan.” He said: “Indeed you have come from the company of the man, that if ‘Alqamah and al-Aswad were present, they would need the like of him.” Then I came to Sufyan and he said to me, “From where did you come?” I said, “From the company of Abu Hanifah.” He said, “Indeed, you have come from the company of the best faqih from the inhabitants of earth (afqahi ahl al-ard).”- Its Isnad is "Sahih"
Imam Abdullah Ibn mubarak
أخبرنا الخلال أخبرنا الحريري أن النخعي حدثهم قال حدثنا محمد بن علي بن عفان حدثنا أبو كريب قال سمعت عبد الله بن المبارك يقول وأخبرني محمد بن احمد بن يعقوب أخبرنا محمد بن نعيم الضبي حدثنا أبو سعيد محمد بن الفضل المذكر حدثنا أبو عبد الله محمد محمد بن سعيد المروزي حدثنا أبو حمزة يعني بن حمزة قال سمعت أبا وهب محمد بن مزاحم يقول سمعت عبد الله بن المبارك يقول رأيت أعبد الناس ورأيت أورع الناس ورأيت أعلم الناس ورأيت أفقه الناس فاما أعبد الناس فعبد العزيز بن أبي رواد وأما أورع الناس فالفضيل بن عياض وأما أعلم الناس فسفيان الثوري وأما أفقه الناس فأبو حنيفة ثم قال ما رأيت في الفقه مثله
Translation: Al-Khallal informed us: al-Hariri reported to us that al-Nakha‘i narrated to them: Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn ‘Affan narrated to us: Abu Kurayb narrated to us: I heard ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak say [here, al-Khatib mentions a second chain for the same narration]: “I saw the most pious of people, the most scrupulous of people, the most learned of people, and the best faqih of people. As for the most pious of people, [he is] ‘Abd al-‘Aziz ibn Abi Rawwad; as for the most scrupulous of people, [he is] al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad; as for the most learned of people, [he is] Sufyan al-Thawri; and as for the best faqih of people, [he is] Abu Hanifah.” Then he said “I have not seen the like of him in fiqh.” “Its isnad is sahih.”
أخبرنا الخلال أخبرنا الحريري أن النخعي حدثهم قال حدثنا محمد بن علي بن عفان حدثنا أبو كريب قال سمعت عبد الله بن المبارك يقول وأخبرني محمد بن احمد بن يعقوب أخبرنا محمد بن نعيم الضبي حدثنا أبو سعيد محمد بن الفضل المذكر حدثنا أبو عبد الله محمد محمد بن سعيد المروزي حدثنا أبو حمزة يعني بن حمزة قال سمعت أبا وهب محمد بن مزاحم يقول سمعت عبد الله بن المبارك يقول رأيت أعبد الناس ورأيت أورع الناس ورأيت أعلم الناس ورأيت أفقه الناس فاما أعبد الناس فعبد العزيز بن أبي رواد وأما أورع الناس فالفضيل بن عياض وأما أعلم الناس فسفيان الثوري وأما أفقه الناس فأبو حنيفة ثم قال ما رأيت في الفقه مثله
Translation: Al-Khallal informed us: al-Hariri reported to us that al-Nakha‘i narrated to them: Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn ‘Affan narrated to us: Abu Kurayb narrated to us: I heard ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak say [here, al-Khatib mentions a second chain for the same narration]: “I saw the most pious of people, the most scrupulous of people, the most learned of people, and the best faqih of people. As for the most pious of people, [he is] ‘Abd al-‘Aziz ibn Abi Rawwad; as for the most scrupulous of people, [he is] al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad; as for the most learned of people, [he is] Sufyan al-Thawri; and as for the best faqih of people, [he is] Abu Hanifah.” Then he said “I have not seen the like of him in fiqh.” “Its isnad is sahih.”
Reference: Tarikh Baghdad Volume 15, Page: 469 Click Here for Scanned Page (222)
أخبرنا أبو نعيم الحافظ حدثنا محمد بن إبراهيم بن علي حدثنا أبو عروبة الحراني قال سمعت سلمة بن شبيب يقول سمعت عبد الرزاق يقول سمعت بن المبارك يقول إن كان أحد ينبغي له أن يقول برايه فأبو حنيفة ينبغي له أن يقول برأيه
أخبرنا أبو نعيم الحافظ حدثنا محمد بن إبراهيم بن علي حدثنا أبو عروبة الحراني قال سمعت سلمة بن شبيب يقول سمعت عبد الرزاق يقول سمعت بن المبارك يقول إن كان أحد ينبغي له أن يقول برايه فأبو حنيفة ينبغي له أن يقول برأيه
Translation: Abu Nu‘aym the Hafiz reported to us: Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn ‘Ali narrated to us: Abu ‘Arubah al-Harrani narrated to us: I heard Salamah ibn Shabib say: I heard ‘Abd al-Razzaq say: I heard Ibn al-Mubarak say: “If anyone has the right to issue [a legal verdict] using his opinion, Abu Hanifah has the right to issue [a legal verdict] using his opinion.” The isnad of this report is sahih, and its narrators are trustworthy.
أخبرنا الحسين بن علي بن محمد المعدل حدثنا علي بن الحسن الرازي حدثنا محمد بن الحسين الزعفراني حدثنا احمد بن زهير حدثنا الوليد بن شجاع حدثنا علي بن الحسن بن شقيق قال كان عبد الله بن المبارك يقول إذا اجتمع هذان على شيء فذاك قوي يعني الثوري وأبا حنيفة
Translation: Al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali ibn Muhammad al-Mu’addal reported to us: ‘Ali ibn al-Hasan al-Razi narrated to us: Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al-Za’farani narrated to us: Ahmad ibn Zuhayr narrated to us: Al-Walid ibn Shuja’ narrated to us: ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Shaqiq narrated to us: ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak would say: “When [the opinions] of these two, meaning al-Thawri and Abu Hanifah, converge on something, that is strong.” “Its isnad is sahih, and its narrators are trustworthy.”
منه أخبرني عبد الباقي بن عبد الكريم المؤدب أخبرنا عبد الرحمن بن عمر الخلال حدثنا محمد بن احمد بن يعقوب بن شيبة حدثنا جدي حدثني يعقوب بن احمد قال سمعت الحسن بن علي قال سمعت يزيد بن هارون وسأله انسان فقال يا أبا خالد من أفقه من رأيت قال أبو حنيفة قال الحسن ولقد قلت لأبي عاصم يعني النبيل أبو حنيفة أفقه أو سفيان قال عبد أبي حنيفة أفقه من سفيان
Translation: ‘Abd al-Baqi ibn ‘Abd al-Karim al-Mu’addib informed me: ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Umar al-Khallal reported to us: Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ya‘qub ibn Shaybah narrated to us: my grandfather narrated to us: Ya‘qub ibn Ahmad narrated to me: I heard al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali say: I heard Yazid ibn Harun when a man asked him, “O Abu Khalid! Who is the best in fiqh from those you have seen?” say, “Abu Hanifah.” Al-Hasan said: I asked Abu ‘Asim al-Nabil, “Is Abu Hanifah a better faqih or Sufyan (al-Thawri)?” He said, “The slave of Abu Hanifah is a better faqih than Sufyan!” -Its isnad is hasan.
Note:Needless to say, Abu ‘Asim al-Nabil’s statement is not to be taken literally, but exaggerates the excellence in fiqh of Abu Hanifah over even Sufyan al-Thawri.
Note: Yazid ibn Harun (118 – 206), also a narrator found in the six books of hadiths, and one of the greatest huffaz of hadith, said to have memorised over twenty thousand hadiths. He was one of the most reliable transmitters of hadith.[Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani,Tahdhib al-Tahdhib Volume 11, Page: 366-369]
2) Abu ‘Asim al-Nabil al-Dahhak ibn Makhlad ibn al-Dahhak (122 – 214), also a narrator of the Six and the greatest and eldest of al-Bukhari’s shaykhs in hadith. Some of al-Bukhari’s thulathiyyat (three-narrator chains) which are the shortest of al-Bukhari’s chains go through him. [Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani,Tahdhib al-Tahdhib Volume 4, Page 450-453]
Imam Shafai
أخبرنا أبو نعيم الحافظ حدثنا محمد بن إبراهيم بن علي قال سمعت حمزة بن علي البصري يقول سمعت الربيع يقول سمعت الشافعي يقول الناس عيال على أبي حنيفة في الفقه
Translation: Abu Nu‘aym, the Hafiz, reported to us: Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn ‘Ali narrated to us: I heard Hamzah ibn ‘Ali al-Basri say: I heard al-Rabi‘ say: I heard al-Shafi‘i say: “All people are dependent on Abu Hanifah in fiqh.” Its isnad is sahih
الفقه أخبرنا علي بن القاسم حدثنا علي بن إسحاق المادراني حدثنا زكريا بن عبد الرحمن حدثني عبد الله بن احمد قال قال هارون بن سعيد سمعت الشافعي يقول ما رأيت أحدا أفقه من أبي حنيفة
Translation: ‘Ali ibn al-Qasim reported to us: ‘Ali ibn Ishaq al-Madara’ini narrated to us: Zakariyya ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman narrated to us: ‘Abd Allah ibn Ahmad narrated to me: Harun ibn Sa‘id (al-Ayli) said: I heard al-Shafi‘i say: “I have not seen anyone better in fiqh that Abu Hanifah.” Al-Khatib comments: He meant by his statement “I have not seen,” “I do not know.” -Its isnad is sahih”
Ali Ibn al-Madini
محمد بن إسماعيل البخاري يقول ما استصغرت نفى عند أحد الا عند علي بن المديني
Al-Bukhari said about Ibn al-Madini: "I did not think myself small in front of anyone besides 'Ali ibn al-Madini." [Imam Ibn hajar Asqalani, Tahdhib al-Tahdib Volume 7, Page: 352]
علي بن المديني قال سمعت سفيان بن عيينة يقول كان أبو حنيفة له مروءة وله صلاة في أول زمانه
Translation: ‘Ali ibn al-Madini narrated: I heard Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah say: “Abu Hanifah was an honourable person, and he would perform [much] Salah from early in his life.” -Its isnad is good.
Translation: ‘Ali ibn al-Madini narrated: I heard Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah say: “Abu Hanifah was an honourable person, and he would perform [much] Salah from early in his life.” -Its isnad is good.
Hence according to Law of Jarh wah ta’deel is that no consideration will be given to that criticism which is against such person whose integrity has been firmly established and as seen from above Overwhelming Proofs Imam al Azam Abu Hanifa R.A is above all the criticism leveled against him. Final conclusion as said by Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani r.a
مناقب الإمام أبي حنيفة كثيرة جدا فرضي الله تعلى عنه واسكنه الفردوس آمين
Translation: There are "MANY(Countless)" merits of Imam Abu Hanifa r.a May Allah be Please with him and Grant him Firdous(Paradise) Ameen
Reference: Imam Ibn hajar Asqalani, Tahdhib al-Tahdib Volume 10, Page: 452 Click Here for Scanned Page (213)
Imam Al-Azaam Fil Hadith
The name Abu Hanifa R.A doesn't need any introduction, as he stands tall among the Scholars of Islam. But as history suggest us, no one is spared of false allegations by khwarij and other minor sect and one such claim is that, "There is no chain(Hadith) which involves Imam abu hanifa and also going back to Prophet(Peace Be Upon Him) or Sahaba". Inshallah in this article we will refute this false claim with Proofs along with scan pages
1)
حدثنا يزيد حدثنا أبو قطن حدثنا أبو حنيفة عن عطية عن أبي سعيد عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فذكر مثله
Translation: Yazid narrated to us: Abu Qatan narrated to us: Abu Hanifah narrated to us from ‘Atiyyah from Abu Sa’id [al-Khudri] from Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace), then he mentioned the equivalent of it [i.e. the words: "Whoever lies upon me deliberately, let him take his seat in the Fire."]
Reference: Imam Tahawai, Book: Sharh Mushkil al-Athar, Volume No:1, Page No: 361, Hadith No:401
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All the narrators are Thiqa and it is Rigorously Authentic hadith
Same hadith is present in Sahih Bukhari
A)
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْجَعْدِ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي مَنْصُورٌ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رِبْعِيَّ بْنَ حِرَاشٍ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ عَلِيًّا، يَقُولُ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لاَ تَكْذِبُوا عَلَىَّ، فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ كَذَبَ عَلَىَّ فَلْيَلِجِ النَّارَ ".
Translation: Narrated `Ali:The Prophet said, "Do not tell a lie against me for whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally) then he will surely enter the Hell-fire."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith No: 106
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith No: 106
B)
حَدَّثَنَا مَكِّيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " مَنْ يَقُلْ عَلَىَّ مَا لَمْ أَقُلْ فَلْيَتَبَوَّأْ مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ ".
Translation: Narrated Salama: I heard the Prophet saying, "Whoever (intentionally) ascribes to me what I have not said then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire."
Reference Sahih al-Bukhari hadith no: 109
Above Hadith is an Mutawaatir hadith [Narrated from various chains]
Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani said:
Example of a Mutawaatir Hadeeth: The above-mentioned Hadeeth: “Whosoever falsely attributes anything to me…” is a Mutawaatir Hadeeth.[Ibn Hajar Asqalani Nukhbat ul fikr, page 22]
2)
حدثنا إبراهيم بن أبي داود قال حدثنا محمد بن المثنى قال حدثنا إسحاق بن يوسف الأزرق عن أبي حنيفة عن علقمة بن مرثد عن سليمان بن بريدة عن أبيه قال قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم الدال على الخير كفاعله
Translation: Ibrahim ibn Abi Dawud narrated to us: He said: Muhammad ibn al-Muthanna narrated to us: He said: Ishaq ibn Yusuf al-Azraq narrated to us from Abu Hanifah from ‘Alqamah ibn Marthad from Sulayman ibn Buraydah from his father: He said: the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “The inviter to goodness is like its doer.” (no. 1545, vol. 4:204)
Reference: Imam Tahawai, Book: Sharh Mushkil al-Athar, Volume No:4, Page No: 204, Hadith No:1545
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All narrators are Thiqa
Similar Hadith with slightly different chain is present in Musnad Ahmed
2A)
مسند أحمد - بَاقِي مُسْنَدِ الْأَنْصَارِ - الدال على الخير كفاعله
حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو فُلَانَةَ كَذَا قَالَ أَبِي لَمْ يُسَمِّهِ عَلَى عَمْدٍ وَحَدَّثَنَاه غَيْرُهُ فَسَمَّاهُ يَعْنِي أَبَا حُنَيْفَةَ عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنِ مَرْثَدٍ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لِرَجُلٍ أَتَاهُ اذْهَبْ فَإِنَّ الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيْرِ كَفَاعِلِهِ
Translation: Ishaqq bin Yousuf from Abu Fulaan from Abu Haneefah from 'Alqmah bin marthad from Sulieman bin Buraidah from his father: He said: the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “The inviter to goodness is like its doer.”
Reference: Imam Ahmed Book Musnad Ahmed, Vol 38, Hadith no 23027, Page no 132
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3)
باب بيان مشكل ما روي عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في طلوع النجم الذي ترتفع بطلوعه العاهة أو تخف أي النجوم هو؟
حدثنا أحمد بن داود قال: حدثنا إسماعيل بن سالم قال: حدثنا محمد بن الحسن قال أخبرنا أبو حنيفة قال حدثنا عطاء بن أبي رباح عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا طلع النجم رفعت العاهة عن أهل كل بلد.
Translation: Ahmad ibn Dawud narrated to us: He said: Isma’il ibn Salim narrated to us: He said: Muhammad ibn al-Hasan narrated to us: He said: Abu Hanifah narrated to us: He said: ‘Ata’ ibn Abi Rabah narrated to us from Abu Hurayrah (Allah be pleased with him): He said: Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “When the star appears, calamity is lifted from the inhabitants of every land.”
Reference: Imam Tahawai, Book: Sharh Mushkil al-Athar, Volume No:6, Page No: 53, Hadith No:2282
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4)
وحدثنا روح بن الفرج قال حدثنا يوسف بن عدي قال حدثنا عبد الرحيم بن سليمان الرازي عن النعمان بن ثابت أبي حنيفة عن حماد عن سعيد بن جبير عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال بعث رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بضعفة أهله ليلا من جمع وقال لهم لا ترموا الجمرة حتى تطلع الشمس
Translation: Rawh ibn al-Faraj narrated to us: He said: Yusuf ibn ‘Adi narrated to us: He said: ‘Abd al-Rahim ibn Sulayman al-Razi narrated to us from al-Nu’man ibn Thabit Abi Hanifah from Hammad [ibn Abi Sulayman] from Sa’id ibn Jubayr from Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with them): He said: “Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) dispatched the weak of his family in the night from Muzdalifah, and he said to them: ‘Do not pelt the jamrah until sunrise.’”
Reference: Imam Tahawai, Book: Sharh Mushkil al-Athar, Volume No:9, Page No: 120, Hadith No:3495
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5)
حدثنا صالح بن عبد الرحمن قال ثنا عبد الله بن يزيد المقرىء قال وحدثنا فهد قال ثنا أبو نعيم قال ثنا أبو حنيفة رحمه الله عن هشام بن عروة عن أبيه عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أن فاطمة بنت أبي حبيش أتت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقالت إني أحيض الشهر والشهرين فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إن ذلك ليس بحيض وإنما ذلك عرق من دمك فإذا أقبل الحيض فدعي الصلاة وإذا أدبر فاغتسلي لطهرك ثم توضئي عند كل صلاة
Translation: Salih ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman narrated to us: He said: ‘Abd Allah ibn Yazid al-Muqri’ narrated to us: He said: Fahd narrated to us: He said: Abu Nu’aym narrated to us: He said: Abu Hanifah narrated to us from Hisham ibn ‘Urwah from his father from ‘A’ishah (Allah be pleased with her) that Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and she said: “I was menstruating for a month or two months.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “That is not menstruation, but that is a [ruptured] vessel of your blood. Therefore, when the menstruation comes, leave Salah, and when it leaves [and post-menstrual bleeding begins], then bathe for your purification and then perform wudufor every Salah.”
Reference: Imam Tahawai, Book: Sharh Mushkil al-Athar, Volume No:7, Page No: 157, Hadith No: 2732
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6)
حدثنا أحمد بن داود حدثنا إسماعيل بن سالم الصائغ ثنا أبو معاوية أخبرني النعمان بن ثابت عن علقمة بن مرثد عن ابن بريدة عن أبيه قال جاء ماعز الأسلمي إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو جالس فأقر بالزنا فرده أربع مرات ثم أمر برجمه فأقاموه في مكان قليل الحجارة فلما أصابته الحجارة جزع فخرج يشتد حتى أتى الحرة فثبت لهم فيها فرموه بجلاميدها حتى سكت فقالوا يا رسول الله ماعز حين أصابته الحجارة جزع فخرج يشتد فقال هلا خليتم سبيله
Translation: Ahmad ibn Dawud narrated to us: He said: Isma’il ibn Salim al-Sa’igh narrated to us : He said: Abu Mu’awiyah narrated to us: al-Nu’man ibn Thabit (Abu Hanifa) reported to me from ‘Alqamah ibn Marthad from Ibn Buraydah from his father: He said: “Ma’iz al-Aslami came to Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) while he was seated and confessed [that he committed] adultery. He rejected his [confession] four times, and then he ordered his stoning. Thereupon, they stood him up in a place with few stones. When stones struck him, he began to worry, so he came out running until he reached al-Harrah wherein he was stopped by them and they pelted him with its stones until he became silent. Later, they said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! When stones struck Ma’iz he became worried and ran.’ He said: ‘Why did you not let him go?!’”
Reference: Imam Tahawai, Book: Sharh Mushkil al-Athar, Volume No:1, Page No:379-380, Hadith No: 432
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7)
حَدَّثَنَا عَبَّادُ بْنُ الْعَوَّامِ، عَنْ أَبِي حَنِيفَةَ، عَنْ إبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْمُنْتَشِرِ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ: مَا جَلَسَ إلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى الله عَلَيه وسَلَّم أَحَدٌ فَقَامَ حَتَّى يَقُومَ.
Translation: ‘Abbad ibn al-‘Awwam narrated to us from Abu Hanifah from Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn al-Muntashir from Anas ibn Malik: He said: “No one ever sat with Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and then stood up until he stood up.”
Reference: Musanaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Volume no: 13, Page 169-170, Hadith No: 26182
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8)
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَنِيفَةَ، عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنِ مَرْثَدٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ لَمَّا رُجِمَ مَاعِزٌ قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ مَا نصْنَعُ بِهِ، قَالَ: اصْنَعُوا بِهِ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ بِمَوْتَاكُمْ مِنَ الْغُسْلِ وَالْكَفَنِ وَالْحَنُوطِ وَالصَّلاَةِ عَلَيْهِ.
Translation: Abu Mu‘awiyah narrated to us from Abu Hanifahfrom ‘Alqamah ibn Marthad from Ibn Buraydah from his father, he said: When Ma‘iz was stoned, they said: “O Messenger of Allah! What shall we do with him?” He said: “Do with him as you do with your dead, of bathing, shrouding, perfuming and praying over him.”
Reference: Musanaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Volume no: 7, Page 155, Hadith No:11124
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