Overview

Sayyiduna Imam Abu Hanifah Nu’man bin Thabit May Allah be pleased with him stands among the greatest scholars and jurists in Islamic history. Through his profound understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, his unparalleled contributions to Fiqh and his exemplary character, he established the Hanafi Madhhab, which continues to guide millions of Muslims worldwide. His legacy remains a beacon of scholarship, wisdom and devotion to Islam. He was born in the blessed city of Kufa and grew up in an environment of knowledge, piety and trade, surrounded by faith and dedication to Islamic learning from an early age. He is universally known as Imam-e-Azam meaning The Greatest Imam and is regarded as one of the greatest Mujtahids in Islamic history. He is followed by hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world.

Full Name

Hazrat Nu’man ibn Thabit ibn Zuta al-Kufi.

Kunyah

Abu Hanifah.

Titles

Imam-e-Azam meaning The Greatest Imam. Siraj-ul-A’immah. Faqih-ul-Millat. Mujtahid-e-Mutlaq. Imam Abu Hanifah.

Date of Birth

80 AH corresponding to 699 CE.

Birthplace

Kufa.

Lineage

He belonged to a noble and respected family residing in Kufa. His father, Thabit, had the honor of meeting Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada May Allah be pleased with him. He grew up in an environment of knowledge, piety and trade.

Early Education

He memorized the Holy Qur’an in his youth. He initially engaged in business and commerce. He later devoted himself entirely to the pursuit of Islamic knowledge.

Islamic Education

He studied and mastered Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Aqeedah, Arabic Literature, Logic and Jurisprudence.

Prominent Teachers

Among his prominent teachers were Imam Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman May Allah have mercy on him, Ata ibn Abi Rabah May Allah have mercy on him, Nafi’ Mawla Ibn Umar May Allah have mercy on him, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir May Allah have mercy on him and numerous eminent Tabi’een and scholars of the Haramayn, Kufa and Basra.

Scholarly Excellence

He was recognized as the greatest Imam of Fiqh. He became the founder of the Hanafi School of Islamic Jurisprudence. He attained the rank of Mujtahid-e-Mutlaq. He was revered by scholars across all generations.

Teaching Services

He taught for nearly forty years in Kufa. He established one of the greatest centers of Islamic jurisprudence. He trained thousands of students, scholars and jurists. His legal methodology became the most widely followed school in the Muslim world.

Prominent Students

Among his prominent students were Imam Abu Yusuf Ya’qub ibn Ibrahim May Allah have mercy on him, Imam Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Shaybani May Allah have mercy on him, Imam Zufar ibn Hudhayl May Allah have mercy on him and Imam Hasan ibn Ziyad May Allah have mercy on him.

Services to Islamic Jurisprudence

He systematically organized principles of Fiqh. He developed methodologies for deriving legal rulings from the Qur’an and Sunnah. He preserved and transmitted the jurisprudence of the Sahabah and Tabi’een. His school later became the dominant Madhhab across Central Asia, Turkey, the Indian Subcontinent, Balkans and many Arab lands.

Literary Contributions

His literary works include Al-Fiqh al-Akbar, Al-Alim wal-Muta’allim, Al-Fiqh al-Absat, Musnad Imam Abu Hanifah and numerous legal opinions transmitted by his students.

Character and Virtues

He was renowned for piety, honesty and generosity. He supported himself through lawful trade and business. He refused government positions that could compromise justice. He spent much of his nights in worship and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

Trials and Imprisonment

He refused to accept judicial appointments under the ruling authorities. He endured imprisonment and hardship for the sake of truth and justice. He remained steadfast upon his principles throughout his life.

Recognition

He is universally known as Imam-e-Azam meaning The Greatest Imam. He is regarded as one of the greatest Mujtahids in Islamic history. He is followed by hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world.

Wisaal Passing Away

150 AH corresponding to 767 CE.

Place of Wisaal

Baghdad.

Mazaar Sharif

Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque and Tomb, Baghdad.

Legacy

Sayyiduna Imam Abu Hanifah Nu’man bin Thabit May Allah be pleased with him stands among the greatest scholars and jurists in Islamic history. Through his profound understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, his unparalleled contributions to Fiqh and his exemplary character, he established the Hanafi Madhhab, which continues to guide millions of Muslims worldwide. His legacy remains a beacon of scholarship, wisdom and devotion to Islam.