Imam azam abu hanifa biography

Compiled from the Book ‘Imam Azam Abu Hanifa’ By Mujaahid-e-Ahl-e- Sunnat, Hazrat Allama Sayed Shah Turab-ul-Haq Qaadiri Razvi Noori

Fiqah refers to Islamic Jurisprudence and is the explanation of the Shariah in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. There are four well-known schools of Jurisprudence, namely; Hanafi, Shafi’I, Hambali and Maliki. Fiqh plays a very important part in the life of every Muslim. The learned Jurists (Fuqaha) have derived the important rulings of the Shariah based on the commands of Qur’an and Sunnah. The importance of Fiqh and the excellence in understanding the Deen has been mentioned clearly in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith.

Fiqh in the  Light of the Qur’an

Intellect, acumen and understanding are great blessings of Allah. It is necessary for a Muslim to be blessed with these if he wishes to understand the Holy Qur’an, The Hadith and the secrets and laws that have been mentioned therein. Almighty Allah says

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‘Verily, in it are signs for those who understand’ [Surah 30 Verse 24] In another verse of the Holy Qur’an Allah ta’ aala says

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‘Verily, in it are signs for those who deliberate.’ [Surah 30, Verse 21]

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[Surah 59 Verse 21] Allah Ta’aala says;

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‘Undoubtedly, we have explained the signs in detail; for those who understand.’

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The above mentioned verses of the Holy Qur’an make it very clear that to attain Tafaquh fid Deen, i.e. proper understanding and appreciation of the Deen; one has to be blessed with intellect and the capability to understand. Those who have been blessed with the knowledge of Deen and especially with the knowledge of Fiqh are those who have been bestowed with special blessings by Allah. The Holy Qur’an makes it very clear that those with knowledge and those who are unaware are not alike. Almighty Allah says

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‘(O Beloved) Say you; Are those who know and those who know not equal? Surely, it is the wise alone that recognize the guidance.’ [Surah 39 Verse 9]

Almighty Allah says

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‘And he, who has been blessed with wisdom, has surely been blessed with great virtue.’ [Surah 2 Verse 269]

It must be noted that the Mufasireen (commentators of the Qur’an) have mentioned that wherever in the Qur’an the mention of Wisdom has come, it refers to the knowledge of Fiqh. The importance of Fiqh, i.e. understanding the Deen is also evident from this verse of the Holy Qur’an. Almighty Allah says

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‘And it is not possible for all the believers to go out (at once); then why should a delegation not come forth from every grouping, so that they may attain the understanding of Religion, thereafter returning to their people, warning them, in the hope that they may remain guarded. [Surah 9 Verse 122]

Whilst explaining this verse of the Holy Qur’an, Sadrul Afaadil Allama Sayyid Na’eemud’deen Muradabadi ..ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻤ ..ﻋﻠﻴ says; ‘It is not necessary for every person to become an Aalim or Faqih. However, every individual has to attain sufficient knowledge to be able to differentiate between that which is lawful, unlawful, to know what Fard is and what Waajib is. To acquire this amount of knowledge is Fard-e-Ain upon every Muslim and to acquire more knowledge than this is Fard-e-Kifaayah. It has been mentioned in the Hadith, that it is Fard upon every Muslim to acquire knowledge (of Deen).’ [Tafseer Khaza’inul Irfaan]

The Excellence  of a  Faqih in the Light of Hadith

Up this point we have mentioned the importance of Fiqh in the light of the Holy Qur’an. This has been further explained and clarified in the Hadith

Shareef ﻦ

ﺪﻳْ     ﺍﻟ

ًﺍ     ﻔ  ﻘ ْ  ﺧ ْ

ﺪ ﺍ ﷲ ﺑ    ﻣﻦ ﻳ ﺮ ﻳْ

Hazrat Ameer Mu’awiyah ؓ has

reported that the Beloved Rasool said ‘If Allah wills to bestow someone with special virtue; He makes him a Faqih of the Religion’. [Bukhari, Muslim, Mishkaat]

م ﺍ     ذﺍ     ﻓﻘ    ْﻮﺍ ﺳﻼ

ْﻢ  ﺍ ْﻻ ﺔﺧ ﻴﺎر

ﻴ                    ﻠ ﺠﺎ

ﺧ   ﻴﺎر       ْﻢ   ﺍ ْﻟ

Hazrat  Abu  Hurairah  ؓ reported  that  Rasoolullah    said;  ‘Those  who were good in the days of ignorance are also good in Islam, if they have understanding of the Deen.’ [Bukhari, Muslim, Mishkaat]

In  this  Hadith,  Rasoolullah    mentioned  that  people  are  bestowed  with being better, on the basis of Fiqh, i.e. on the basis of their understanding of their Deen. This also proves that according to Rasoolullah , one of the best qualities in a person is for him to have knowledge of Fiqh. Once the Holy  Prophet    made  the  following  Dua  for  Hazrat  Abdullah  ibn  Ab’bas

ﺍﻟ ﺪﻳْﻦ  saying; by ر    ﺍﷲ  ﻌﺎ   ﻋﻨ ﻤﺎ

Religion [Bukhari]

 ْ ﻘ   ﻓ

ﻢ ﻠ ﺍﻟ O Allah! Make him a Faqih of the

Hazrat Ibn Ab’bas ﻤﺎ ﻋﻨ   ﻌﺎ  ﺍﷲ   ر says that Rasoolullah said

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ﻓﻘ  ْﻴ ٌ   وﺍﺣ  ٌﺪﺍ ﺷ  ﺪ  ﻋ  ٰ ﺍﻟ  ﺸ ْﻴ  ﻄﺎن

‘One Faqih is more superior over shaitaan than a thousand worshippers.’

[Tirmizi, Ibn Majah, Mishkaat]

From this Hadith it is evident that a single Faqih (Jurist) is more powerful over shaitaan than a thousand devout worshippers. The reason for this is that due to the knowledge which Allah has bestowed upon him and due to his understanding of the Deen he is able to recognise and avoid the traps and the trickery of shaitaan. In reality, he becomes the one who assist others to be protected from the trickery and deception of shaitaan. In Ilm- ul-Hadith, there are two things that are fundamental. The first being, the authenticity of the chain of transmission and its narration; the second being its meaning and understanding it. The Muhaditheen of the Ummah memorised and preserved the words and chain of transmission of the Hadith, whereas the distinguished Fuqaha carried the responsibility of understanding its true meaning and wisdom. It should also be noted that the distinguished Fuqaha also have complete expertise and proficiency in

the subject of Hadith. One incident pointing to the importance and excellence of the Fuqaha is as follows: Khateeb Baghdadi mentions that a Group of Muhaditheen were present when a woman who used to bathe deceased females came forth and asked a question, ‘Can a female who is menstruating give Ghusl to a female who has passed away or not?’

Imam Yahya bin Mu’een, Abu Hatheema, Zuhair bin Harb and Khalf bin Saalim etc. who are regarded amongst distinguished Muhaditheen ﺍﷲ ﻢ رﺣﻤ were present there. Each one of them began to look at the other and none of them was able to give an answer immediately. At that moment, Imam Abu Thaur ..ﻋﻠﻴ ﺍﷲ رﺣﻤﺔ who with the exception of being a Muhadith was also a Mujtahid and a Faqih, passed by. The lady approached him and queried regarding the said issue. He said, ‘Yes, a female who is menstruating is permitted to give Ghusl to a deceased female.’ The reason being that once Rasoolullah said to Hazrat A’isha ﺎ ﻋﻨ   ﻌﺎ  ﺍﷲ   ر ‘Your menstruation is not in your hand’. It is also mentioned in the Hadith that whilst in the condition of Haidh, Hazrat A’isha ﺎ ﻋﻨ ﻌﺎ ﺍﷲ ر used to sprinkle water in the hair of the Prophet     and  she  would  comb  a  path  in  his  hair.  So,  if  in  such  a condition, water can be poured onto the head of a living person then why can a deceased not be given Ghusl?’ When the distinguished Muhaditheen heard this Fatwa of Imam Abu Thaur ..ﻋﻠﻴ رﺣﻤﺔﺍﷲ they began to discuss the chain of transmission of the Hadith he had mentioned, mentioning who its narrators were and how it was narrated. When the woman heard this, she said ‘Where were you all this while?’ In other words, she tried to say that if that were the case, why then did they not give the answer’. [Tareekh-e- Baghdad Volume 6 Page 67]

Imam Azam Abu Hanifa

All that has been mentioned up to this point makes the importance of Fiqh and the status of the Fuqaha very evident. It must be noted that amongst the Four Great Imams of Fiqh, the most superior and blessed status has been afforded to Imam Abu Hanifa and it is for this reason that even the greatest Imams in History have referred to him as Imam-e-Azam ؓ.

The Imam of the Shafi’i Madhab, Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Ash Shafi’i ؓ

says:

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ﻔ ﺔ ﺣﻨ ْﻴ

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‘All the Ulama and Fuqaha amongst the people are the descendants of Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ in the issue of Fiqh and Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ is the distant ancestor. Without reading and studying his books neither can anyone become a big Aalim nor can he become a Faqih.’

Imam Abu Hanifa Nu’man bin Thaabit ؓ was born in Kufa. There is a difference of opinion amongst the Ulama regarding the year of his birth, some say 70 Hijri and some mention that he was born in the year 80 Hijri. Shareh  Bukhari  Mufti  Muhammad  Shariful  Haq  Amjad  ..ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻤ ..ﻋﻠﻴ  says,  ‘Many people give preference to his birth being in 80 Hijri but many of the Muhaqiqeen have given preference to 70 Hijri. According to this humble servant (Shareh Bukhari), 70 Hijri is the correct date.’ His name was Nu’man bin Thaabit and his title ‘Abu Hanifa’. Regarding the excellence of Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ, Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhadith Delhwi ؓ writes: ‘Some of the Ulama have mentioned that mention of Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ has been made in the Taurat. There is a narration from Hazrat Ka’ab bin Ahbar ؓ that in the Taurat which was revealed upon Hazrat Moosa &,;, we have found that Almighty Allah says; “There will be a Noor in the Ummat of Muhammadur Rasoolullah    and  its  title  will  be  Abu  Hanifa.”  This  is  verified  by  the  title Siraajul Ummat which has been afforded to Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ. [Taáruf Fiqh wa Tasawuf pg 225]

Allama Maufiq bin Ahmed Makki ؓ (575 A.H.) reports that it is narrated on the  authority  of  Hazrat  Abu  Hurairah  ؓ that  Rasoolullah    said,  ‘A man will be born in my Ummat, who will be known as Abu Hanifa. He will be the lamp of my Ummah on the Day of Qiyaamah.’ [Manaaqib lil Maufiq pg 50]

Hazrat Anas ؓ reports that Rasoolullah said, ‘A person will be born in my Ummat, who will be named Nu’man and his title will be Abu Hanifa. He will revive the Deen of Allah and my Sunnah.’ [Manaaqib lil Maufiq pg 55]

Imam Abu Hanifa is a  Taabi’ee

A Taabi’ee  is  one  who saw a  Companion of  the  Holy  Prophet    with  the eyes of Imaan. This is the next level of excellence that has been awarded to anyone after the status of the Companions of Rasoolullah . Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ was afforded with the honour and the status of being a Taabi’ee. Allama Ibn Hajar Makki ؓ says, ‘It is reported from Imam Zahabi ؓ and proven from an authentic narration that as a child, Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ was blessed with seeing Hazrat Anas bin Maalik ؓ. He used to apply a reddish dye. Most of the Muhaditheen agree that a Taabi’ee is one who saw any Sahabi.’ [Al Khairaatul Hasaan pg 73]

One narration mentions that Hazrat Anas bin Maalik ؓ passed from this world in 90 Hijri and another narration mentions that he passed from this world in 93 Hijri. In both cases, it would be correct to accept that Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ did make ziyarat of him. When Hafiz Ibn Hajar Shafi’i was asked with regards to Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ being a Taabi’ee, he answered with the following words, ‘Imam Abu Hanifa was blessed with seeing a Mubaarak Jamaát of Sahaba-e-Kiraam. According to one narration he was born in 80 Hijri in Kufa. At that time, amongst the Sahaba-e-Kiraam that were present in Kufa, was Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abu Ufa ؓ. He either passed away in 88 Hijri or just after that. At the same time, Hazrat Anas bin Malik ؓ was in Basra. He passed from this world in 90 Hijri or just after that. Ibn Sa’ad has mentioned with a very authentic merit, that Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ saw Hazrat Anas bin Malik ؓ. With the exception of these Sahaba-e-Kiraam, numerous other Sahaba were present in numerous other cities at this time, who lived after this. Imam Suyuti ؓ says that Imam Abu Ma’shar Tabri Shafi’i ؓ mentioned Hadith in his books, which Imam Azam ؓ mentioned which he narrated from Sahaba-e-Kiraam ﻤﺎ ﻋﻨ ﻌﺎ ﺍﷲ ر. He mentions that Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ met with the following seven companions of Rasoolullah :

1. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik 2. Sayyiduna Abdulla bin Haarith bin Jaza’
2. Sayyiduna Jaabir bin Abdullah 4. Sayyiduna Mu’qil bin Yasaar
3. Sayyiduna Waathila ibnil Asqa’ 6. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Unais
4. 7. Sayyidatuna A’isha bint Ajrad o::ﺍﺟﻤﻌ ﻢ ﻋﻨ ﻌﺎ  ..ﻠ: ﺍﻟ   ر

Imam   Azam   reported   3   Hadith   from   Hazrat   Anas   ؓ;   2   Hadith   from Sayyiduna  Waathila  ؓ;  and  1  Hadith  each  from  Sayyiduna  Abdullah  bin Unais, Sayyidatuna A’isha bint Ajrad and Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Jaza’. He also reported a Hadith from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abi Ufa ؓ and all these Ahadith are reported other than this chain of transmission as well. [Tabayazus Sahifa pg 7] It is further mentioned in Durr-e-Mukhtar that Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ met with twenty companions of Rasoolullah and it has been mentioned in Khulaasa Akmaal fi Asma’ir Rijaal that he saw 26 Sahaba-e-Kiraam. If we accept that Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ was born in 80 Hijri then it must be noted that the following Sahaba-e-Kiraam were still physically in this world at that time in numerous cities. Those who are known to have been physically in this world in that time are:

1. Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abdul Qari [81 Hijri]
2. Hazrat Taariq bin Shihaab Kufi [82 Hijri]
3. Hazrat Umar bin Abu Salma [83 Hijri]
4. Hazrat Waathil ibnil Asqa [83, 85 or 86 Hijri]
5. Hazrat Abdullah bin Jaza’ [85 Hijri]
6. Hazrat Amr bin Hareeth [85 Hijri]
7. Hazrat Abu Umama Baahili [86 Hijri]
8. Hazrat Hazrat Qabisah bin Zuwaib [86 Hijri]
9. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abu Ufa [87 or 88 Hijri]
10. Hazrat Utbah bin Abdus Salma [87 Hijri]
11. Hazrat Miqdam bin Ma’di Kurb [87 Hijri]
12. Hazrat Sahl bin Sa’ad [88 or 91 Hijri]
13. Hazrat Abdullah bin Basr [88 or 96 Hijri]
14. Hazrat Abdullah bin Tha’lba [89 Hijri]
15. Hazrat Saa’ib bin Khilad [91 Hijri]
16. Hazrat Saa’ib bin Yazid [91, 92 or 94 Hijri]
17. Hazrat Mahmood bin Rabi’ [91 or 99 Hijri]
18. Hazrat Malik bin Aus [92 Hijri]
19. Hazrat Anas bin Malik [92, 93 or 95 Hijri]
20. Hazrat Malik ibnil Hawareeth [94 Hijri]
21. Hazrat Mahmood bin Lubaid [96 Hijri]
22. Hazrat Abu Umama Ansari [100 Hijri]
23. Hazrat Abu Tufail Aamir bin Waathila [102 or 110 Hijri]
24. Hazrat Abul Badah [117 Hijri]

His Character

Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ possessed exemplary character and moral values. Abu Nu’aim ؓ says as follows, ‘Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ had a pleasant face. He was well dressed and fragrant and his gatherings were virtuous. He was a very caring, kind person and showed much affection and care towards his companions.’ Umar bin Ham’mad ؓ says, ‘He was very handsome and well dressed. He used a lot of fragrance. When he approached or when he emerged from his home, the scent of his fragrance would reach there even before he arrived.’ [Khateeb Baghdadi Vol 13 Page 330]

Hazrat Abdullah ibn-e-Mubaarak ؓ said to Hazrat Sufyan Thauri ؓ, ‘Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ remained miles away from committing gheebat. I have never ever heard of him backbiting in regards to any of his opponents.’ Sufyan ؓ said, ‘By Allah! He was a very intelligent person. He did not wish to place any such thing of his good deeds which would be a source of destroying his virtuous deeds.’ Once, a woman intended to sell a bail of silk fabric to him. He asked her regarding the price of the fabric. She mentioned that she would charge a 100 for it. He said that she was asking for a very minimal price as the fabric was much more valuable. The lady then said that she would charge 200. Again he objected and said that it was too cheap, so she increased the price by another 100. This went on, until the price reached 400. He said, ‘This is even more valuable than four hundred.’ She said, ‘Are you mocking me?’ He gave her 500 and then purchased the fabric. His piety and truthfulness benefited his business instead of plunging him into any loss. Subhaan’Allah! Look at the character and the manner in which Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ did business.

His Fear for Allah and Piety

Hafiz Ibn Hajar ؓ whilst discussing the piety and Allah fearing of Imam Abu Hanifa writes as follows in Al Khairatul Hasaan: ‘Asad bin Amr ؓ says that at night, the sound of Imam Azam Abu Hanifa’s weeping could be heard. He would weep to the extent that his neighbours would feel sad for him.   Waqi’ؓ says   that   he   was   faithful   and   trustworthy   and   Allah’s Grandeur and Magnificence was well embedded in his heart. He gave

precedence to the Pleasure of Allah, over everything else and even if he had to be cut into pieces with a sword, he would not have left seeking the pleasure of his Creator. His Rub became so pleased with him, like he is pleased with an Abraar. Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ was from amongst the Abraar.’ [Al Khairatul Hasaan page 12]

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mubaarak ؓ says, ‘I have not seen a person more pious than Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ. What can be said about such a person, before who heaps of wealth is placed, yet he does not even raise his eyes to look towards it. He was lashed for this reason but still he remained patient. What can be said about that person, who for sake of Allah’s Pleasure endured hardships but he did not accept wealth and the like and he did not desire (wealth or its like) like others usually do, for which people make hundreds of excuses and efforts to attain it. By Allah! He was different from all those scholars who desired that the world should follow them. He used to flee from it. [Manaaqib lil Maufiq] After presenting a lengthy discussion on Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ Imam Ibn Hajar Shafi’i ؓ says, ‘When he would perform his Namaaz at night then the sound of his tears falling on the grass mat could be heard, just as one hears the raindrops fall. The sign of his fasting could be seen in his eyes and on his face. (All I can say) is that, Allah have Mercy on him and be pleased with him.’ [Al Khairatul Hasaan]

His abstention from  the company of the  Rulers

Once, the Abbasi Khalifa sent him 200 Dinars. He returned it by saying, ‘I have no right over it’. Once, the Ameerul Mo’mineen of the era sent forth a beautiful servant to him but he did not accept. He said, ‘I do all my chores with my own hands. Thus, I have no need for a slave-girl (maid).’

Once, the Governor made a request to him by saying, ‘Sir! You should visit me every now and then, so that I too may acquire some benefit.’ He boldly replied, ‘What will I get from meeting with you? If you treat me with compassion then I will fall within your payroll and if you become upset with me and then distance me after granting me closeness then for me it is a means of embarrassment. So, I have no need for the wealth which you possess and none can rob me of the wealth (i.e. knowledge) which I possess.’

Love for His Parents

Even though he was blessed with such vast knowledge and excellence, Imam Abu Hanifa was a humble and affectionate personality. He showed dear love to his parents and honoured them with the honour that they deserved. His mother would often pity him due to the hardships he was forced to face in striving for the truth. Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ personally mentions the following: ‘When I would be lashed (for speaking the truth), my mother would say to me; ‘Abu Hanifa! Knowledge has brought you to this level of endurance. Leave this knowledge and live the life of the ordinary people in the world.’ I said, ‘My Beloved Mother! If I have to leave knowledge, how then will I attain the Pleasure of Allah?’

Imam Abu Hanifa says, ‘I give out 20 Dirhams of khairaat (charity of good virtue) every Friday, for the Esaal-e-thawaab of my parents and I have taken a vow for this. I give 10 dirhams for my father and 10 dirhams for my mother.’ With the exception of this, he used to distribute other things as Sadqa on behalf of his parents as well. [Al Khairatul Hasaan 196]

Imam Azam’s Intelligence and Insight

Imam Azam ؓ was a very intelligent and wise personality. It was his intelligence and wisdom that complimented his personality. Imam Ali bin Aasim ؓ says, ‘If the intelligence of Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ had to be weighed with the intelligence of half the people of the world then the intelligence of Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ would supersede them all.’ A few incidents relating to the intelligence of Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ are being presented below.

First Incident: A man had an argument with his wife and during the course of the argument; she had a cup of water in her hand and was walking towards him with it. He said, ‘If you drink water from that cup, then there are three Talaaqs upon you; if you drop it (pour it) onto the ground then too there are three Talaaqs upon you; and even if you give it to some other person to drink, there are three Talaaqs upon you.’ After his anger subsided, he realised what he had done and thus took his case before the

learned Ulama but none could find a solution to stop the Talaaq from applying on his wife. Finally, he went to Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ and presented his case. He said, ‘Put a rag into the cup and soak the water into it. In this way, your condition will be fulfilled and your wife will be saved from Talaaq.’

Second Incident: There was a wealthy Raafdhi (Shia) residing in the city of Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ. He had an abundance of wealth. He always hosted gatherings but during these gatherings, he would audaciously claim that (Allah Forbid) Hazrat Uthman-e-Ghani ؓ was a Jew. Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ went to his home. He recognised Imam Azam ؓ based on his knowledge and standing in the community. Imam Azam ؓ commenced a conversation with him and whilst talking to him, he said; ‘I have brought a proposal of marriage for your daughter. He is the son of a Sayed and also a very wealthy person. He has memorised the Qur’an-e-Paak and he stays away for most parts of the night praying. In an entire night, he completes the recitation of the entire Qur’an. He is very afraid of Allah.’ When the Raafdhi heard this, he said, ‘Sir! It is very difficult to find a person of such standing. Please be swift in this arrangement. I do not want any delays in this. I have been in search of a son in-law like this.’ Imam Azam ؓ said, ‘There is however one issue. He has such a quality which you will not be pleased with.’ He asked what this was, so Imam Azam ؓ said, ‘He is a Jewish by faith.’ He said, ‘Being an Aalim, you are advising me to marry my daughter to a Jew!’ Imam Azam ؓ said; ‘If you are not willing to marry your daughter  to  a  wealthy  and  reputable  Jew  then  could  Rasoolullah    have given two of his daughters into the marriage of someone if he was a Jew?’ On hearing what Imam Azam ؓ had to say, he immediately repented and changed his view in regards to Hazrat Uthman ؓ. These incidents and all that has been mentioned in this discussion point to the intelligence and wisdom of Imam Azam Abu Hanifa ؓ. There is no doubt that he is Imam Azam. Imam Abu Hanifa ؓ passed from this world in 150 Hijri.

We pray that Almighty Allah showers the rains of Mercy over his Holy Grave and blesses us through his Blessings and knowledge.