From all four Imams who came first, second, third and forth (by dates)? Which country they were belonged to and how Hanafi ended up in Indo-pak area and Shafi in Middle East?

IMAM ABU HANIFA (R.A.H.).
1. No`man bin Thabit ibn Zauti,- well known in Islamic History as IMAM ABU HANIFA and IMAM AZAM - was the son of a Persian merchant.

He was born in Kufa, Iraq - in the Year 80 A.H.

2. His father -THABIT - was privileged to meet Hazrat ALI
(RAD) who had at the time, made KUFA his capital.

3. Kufa was founded in 17 A.H. by Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RAD) the 2nd Khalif.

Kufa had become the THIRD most important centre of learning during the Hazrat Umar's Khilafat.

A large number of SAHABA (RAD) were sent to this new city
to settle here by Umar (RAD). These included HAZRAT
Abdulla ibn Ma'sood, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Ammar, Huzaifa
& Abu Moosa etc. (RAD).

Records indicate the presence of 1050 Sahaba in Kufa of
whom 24 were the participants of BADR.

4. At the age of twenty, Imam Abu Hanifa turned his
attention towards the pursuit of advancing his Islamic
Knowledge.

5. Among his FIRST and the most important TUTORS was Imam
Hammad (Died 120 A.H.) whose educational lineage is
linked with Hazrat Abdulla Ibn Mas`ood (RAD).

6. Imam Abu Hanifa is also a TABI-EE = One who saw and
Benefited from atleast ONE SAHABI.

7. Imam Abu Hanifa benefited from nearly 4,000 Shaikhs.

In those days, the Hajj season was the best means of
spreading and deriving Islamic knowledge as Muslims from
every corner of the Islamic world assembled in Makka.

In his lifetime Imam Abu Hanifa is reputed to have
performed fifty Hajj.

8. Imam Abu Hanifa (Rah) had joined his father's business
wherein he showed scrupulous honesty and fairness.

Once his agent had sold a consignment of silk cloth on
his behalf but forgot to mention a slight defect to the
customers. When Abu Hanifa learnt of this, he was greatly
distressed because he had no means of the refunding the
customers; so he immediately ordered the entire proceeds
of the sale ( 30,000 Dirhams ) to be given in charity.

IMAM ABU HANIFA (R.A.H.). PAGE TWO
9. The Imam was also keenly interested in education.

He established a school at Kufa, which later became a
famous College of Theology. Here he delivered Lectures on
Islamic Law and related subjects.

10. FIQAH or Islamic Law was systematically studied by his
students under his expert guidance.

A large number of his devoted and highly intelligent
students worked under him for THIRTY years, and it is the
Labour of these students that gave us the HANAFI SCHOOL
of thought.

11. Imam Abu Hanifa was the first of the IMAMS to advocate
the use of "REASON" in the consideration of Religious
Questions based on the QURAN & SUNNAH.

12. He was also the FIRST Imam to Arrange all the subjects of ISLAMIC LAW SYSTEMATICALLY.

13. His most important work is the KITAAB-UL-AASAAR which
was compiled by his students - Imam ABU YUSUF & IMAM
MUHAMMAD.

14. In {164 A.H.} 763 A.C. AL-MANSOOR - the Banu Abbas
Khalifa of the Muslim Empire at Baghdad whose capital
was BAGHDAD - offered Imam Sahib the POST of CHIEF QAZI
of the state, but the Imam declined to accept the post
and chose to remain independent In his reply to AL-
Mansoor, the Imam excused himself by saying that he did
not regard himself fit for the post offered. Al-Mansoor,
who had his own ideas and reasons for offering the post,
lost his temper and accused the IMAM of lying.

" IF I AM LYING" the Imam said, "THEN MY STATEMENT IS
DOUBLY CORRECT".

"HOW CAN YOU APPOINT A LIAR TO THE EXALTED POST OF A
Chief Qazi ?".

Incensed by this reply, AL Mansoor charged the Imam
with contempt, had him arrested and locked in prison.

15. Even in prison, the Imam continued to teach those who
were permitted to come to him.

IMAM ABU HANIFA (R.A.H.). PAGE THREE

16. It was here in prison that the Imam was administered a
dose of poison in 150 A.H.

Realizing that the end was near, the Imam prostrated in
prayer and PASSED AWAY in this condition in the month of
RAJAB, 150 A.H.

The news of his death soon spread throughout Baghdad

17. The whole town came out to pay their last homage to the
greatest Imam of Islamic LAW.

More than 50,000 people participated in the first Janaza
Salaat.

People continued to flock and before the Janaza could be
finally taken for burial, the Salaatul Janaza was offered
SIX TIMES in all.
For days, people came in large numbers to pay their
respects at the grave side.

18. Among the FOUR Imams, Abu Hanifa has the largest number
of followers even today in all parts of the world
{M.A.R.K.}

IMAM MAALIK ibn ANAS. (Rah). PAGE ONE

1. ABU ABDULLAH Malik ibn Anas ibn Malik ibn Abi Aamir (Rah)

was born in Madina in the year 93 A.H. (714 A.C)
He came from a respectable family.

2 His ancestral home was in Yemen, but his great - Aamir -
grandfather settled in Madina after embracing Islam.

3 His grandfather - Maalik - was an important Taabi-ee and
a famous reporter of Ahadith.

4. He was greatly attracted to the study of Islamic Law and
devoted his entire interest to the subject after
completing his primary education.

5. Madina was the most important seat of Islamic learning as the immediate descendants of the Sahaba-e-Kiraam were
inhabitants of the City.

6. For the purpose of his study, he sought out over THREE
HUNDRED "TA-BI-EEN" = those who saw the Sahaba /
Companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW), and acquired from
them the knowledge of the Holy Prophet's (SAW)
Ahadith and Sunnah.

7. He spent his entire life in Madina where he studied FIQAH from NINE FIVE SHAIKHS. It is from these Shaikhs from
whom he recorded the Ahadith in his Kitaab-ul-Muatta.

This Kitab contains 1725 Ahadith of Rasulullah (SAW).

8. He studied QIRA`AT & Hadith for nearly ten years under
Hazrat NAAFE` the slave of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar
(RAD). Hazrat Naafe` had served his master for nearly 30
years.

Naafe` was once sent by UMAR ibn ABDUL AZIZ (Rah) to
impart knowledge in Egypt.

9. Although he is the author of numerous books, his most
important work is the KITAB-UL-MUATTA, which deals with
the subject of Islamic Law based on Ahadith and Sunnah.
The Kitab-ul-Muatta is the earliest surviving Book of
it's kind { WRITTEN around 150 A.H. } and it is used in
all Islamic Institutions as one of the TEXT Books in the
final year studies by Graduating ULAMA.

10. Imam Malik had the highest regard for the Holy Prophet
(SAW) as well as for his Ahadith. He never tolerated
indiscipline whilst Hadith-e-Rasul was under discussion.

He even rebuked Al-Mansoor for talking LOUDLY when
some Ahadith were being discussed.

IMAM MAALIK ibn ANAS. (Rah). PAGE TWO

11. The Imam always made Wudu or Ghusal, wore fresh clean
attire and applied perfume before conducting lessons on
Ahadith.

12. He delivered lectures on Islamic Law, & issued Fatwas (
Islamic Rulings) for nearly 62 years. Approx. 1,300
people have reported Ahadith from him.

13. He had the honour of occupying the home of Hazrat
Abdullah ibn MAS`UD (Rad) and conducting lessons from the
same spot where Rasulullah (SAW) spent his time for
I'tikaaf, in the Masjid-un-Nabi.

14. Imam Malik was famous for his PIETY, and INTEGRITY and
courageously stood up, and was prepared to suffer for his
conviction.

For example, in 135 A.H., When the governor of Madina
demanded and forced people to "TAKE THE OATH of
ALLEGIANCE in favour of Khalifa Al-Mansoor, the Imam
issued a Fatwa that such an oath was not binding because
it was given under duress.

15. Since this FATWA was not in the interest of the Ruler,
the governor arrested the Imam and had him publicly
flogged for the " CRIME ".

Al Mansoor learning of this outrage, apologized to the
Imam and dismissed the errant governor.

16. Imam Malik (Rah), was offered 3,000 gold coins (DINARS)
by Mansoor, as travelling expenses to Baghdad and
subsequent residence in the Capital, but the Imam
politely refused the offer saying that he prefered to
live in Madina near Rasulullah (SAW)

17. Imam Malik never intended the formation of a SCHOOL OF
THOUGHT bearing his Name. It was his disciples &
followers who later developed a FIQAH SCHOOL based on
Imam Malik's rulings.

18. Malikis are found mostly in North & West Africa - Tunis, Algeria, Morrocco and Egypt.

19. This Great Leader of Islamic Law died in Madina on the 11 th Rabi-ul-Akhir 179 A.H. at the age 86 years. He lies
Buried in the Jannatul Baqi in Madina. (M.A.R.K.)

IMAM MALIK IBN ANAS (RAD).
ADDITIONAL FACTS. PAGE - 1
1. Madina was the most important centre of Knowledge as
scholars flocked to the City to pay their respects to
Rasulullah (SAW).

2. The home of Imam Malik too was a centre of ILM-e-NABAWI.

3. Among his first tutors was IMAM-USH-SHUA-RAA Hazrat Naafe` bin Abdur Rahman ( died - 169 A.H.) from whom he mastered
the Quran.

4. Later , whilst still a youngster he joined the Hadith
Classes of NAAFE`
5. Physical description : Tall, heavily built, fair but
reddish, wide eyes, beautiful nose, very little hair on
the forehead., heavy long beard which reached his chest.
trimmed moustache above/ edge of the lip.

He considered the shaver of moustache =as MAKROOH.and a
MUSSLA -disfigurer

6. He wore expensive clothing and used much Ittar.

7. He wore a silver ring with a stone and engraved was
HASBUNALLAHU WA NE`MAL WAKEEL.

8. On his door was written MAA SHA ALLAH. This house
originally belonged to Abdulla ibn Mas'ood`ood (RAD).
9. He started teaching at the age of 17.

10.It was only after seventy Ulama certified him as an
authority, did he commence issuing Fatwa.

11. His seat in the Masjid-e-Nabawi was the same seat that
was occupied by Hazrat Umar (RAD).

12. He never answered the call of nature within the perimeter of the HARAM, except during illness or some Uzar.

13.He never rode in his entire life in Madina on an animal.
He used to say
'' HOW CAN I RIDE AN ANIMAL WHOSE FEET TRAMPLE THE
GROUND IN WHICH LIES RESTING THE MASTER (SAW)

14. DURING his advancing years, he never went out of Madina - hoping to be buried there in.

15. During Hadith lessons if anyone raised his voice, he
would reprimand him and quote the Quranic
verse.................. adding that the command was
applicable even now.

IMAM MAALIK ibn ANAS. (Rah). PAGE ONE

POLITICAL ERA.

1. During the Khilafat of Mansoor Abbasi, oppression was on
the increase.

Muhammad ZUN NAFS AZ ZAKIYAH in MADINA and his brother
IBRAHIM in BASRA were compelled to raise the flag of
rebellion against the the injustice directed mostly
towards the Sayeds.

Imam Malik issued a FATWA in favour of these two and
against the government.

2. This led to his arrest by the governor of Madina and
subsequent flogging - seventy lashes.

Later when Mansoor learnt of this, he expressed regret and
sent an apology to the Imam and requested the Imam to come
to Baghdad, but the Imam refused.

When Mansoor came for Hajj, he visited Madina as well
and treated the Imam with great respect.

Haroon AR Rasheed.
Haroon AR Rasheed was patron of the Ulama. He had great
regard for Imam Malik. He personally with his TWO sons
journeyed to Madina to listen to the Muatta. He invited
the Imam to come to his camp in order to give
lessons but the Imam refused. So Haroon brought his sons
to the Imam.

His death.
Imam Malik was 86 years and had become quite weak, but he
still continued to give lesson and issue Fatwas.

It was SUNDAY when he became ill and for the next 22 odd
days it got worse. He passed away on the 11 th Rabi-ul-
Akhir, 179 A.H.

He had taught and issued Fatwas for 62 years.

IMAM MAALIK ibn ANAS. (Rah). PAGE ONE

ORIGIN OF MALIKI FIQAH.
THE FUQAHA-E-SABA` of Madina are :-
1. SAEED ibn MUSAYYIB DIED 94 A.H.
2. UBAIDULLAH ibn UTTBA ibn MAS`UD " 98 A.H.
3. URWA " 94 A.H.
4. QASIM ibn MUHAMMAD ibn ABI BAKR " 108 A.H.
5. ABU BAKR bin ABDURRAHMAN bin HARIS ibn HISHAM" 94 A.H.
6. SULAIMAN ibn YASAAR " 109 A.H.
7. KHARIJA ZAID " 109 A.H.

These SEVEN were the CENTRE of ILM-E-FIQAH and HADITH
in Madina.

Their unanimous ruling was the basis of any verdict in
the court of Madina in matters of FIQAH.

The basis of Imam Malik's Fiqah & Fatwa originates from
this Fiqah of Madina

ALLAMA IBN QAYYIM (RAH) states The promotion of DEEN,
FIQAH, & ILM in the UMMAH is due to the students of IBN
MAS`UD, ZAID BIN THABIT, IBN UMAR and IBN ABBAS (RAD).
Ibn Mas`ud stayed in Madina but was later ordered to
reside in KUFA.
Therefore the above SEVEN were instrumental in the
promotion of ILM in Madina.

And it is from these persons that the SHAIKHS of Imam
Malik benefitted in particular Hazrat Rabi`atur Raai who
is the most important SHAIKH of Imam Malik (RAH).

Imam Malik based his rulings in his FATWAS from the FIQAH
of the above and this eventually became the "MALIKI
FIQAH".

Lesson 3. IMAM SHA-FI-EE. (RAH). PAGE 0NE

1. Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Idrees SHAFI-EE (R.A.H.) was a
descendant from the Quraish tribe.

He is the Only Imam who is related to Rasulullah (SAW)

2. Imam Shafi-ee (RAH) was born in Ghazza, Syria in 150 A.H. ( 765 A.C.)

He lost his father during infancy and was raised by his
mother under very poor circumstances.

3. He completed HIFZ of the QURAN at the tender age of SEVEN YEARS, and at the age of THIRTEEN memorized the KITABUL-
MUATTA of Imam Malik. (RAH).

4. He spent several some time among the Beduins outside
Makka, to acquire a good knowledge of the ARABIC
Language.

5. At the age of TWENTY, ( 170 A.H. / 785 A.C.) he went to
MADINA and became a student of IMAM MALIK [ Rah ] who
was greatly impressed with the young student who had
memorized the Muatta.

6. He stayed with Imam Malik for some time, thereafter he
returned to Makka.

7. He also came into contact with other learned men,( 81
SHAIKHS ) from all of whom he acquired the knowledge of
the QURAN , HADITH & SUNNAH.

8. In 184 A.H. / 799 A.C. , Imam Shafi-ee was
arrested and taken to Baghdad to appear before Haroon Ar-
Rasheed on "trumped up" charges of treason. It was due to
the recommendation of IMAM MUHAMMAD (-the state QAZI
and student of Imam Abu Hanifa -) that Imam Shafiee was
discharged. He was then 34 years old.

9. Imam Shafi-ee remained in Baghdad as a student of Imam
Muhammad for over three years to add further to his
knowledge of Islamic Law.

10. He returned to Makka where he stayed for NINE YEARS
delivering lectures on Islamic Law. It was during this
period that Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal came into contact with
Imam Shafi-ee.

11. In 199 A.H., he went to Egypt where he was received with much honour and respect. He remained here until his
death.

Lesson 3. IMAM SHA-FI-EE. (RAH). PAGE TWO

12. Imam Shafi-ee was the author of over a hundred books the most important of which is the KITAAB-UL-UMM. It
contains the rulings of the Imam on all subjects of
Islamic Law.

13. He left behind a large number of dedicated students in
Makka, Baghdad and Egypt.

14. The Shafi-ee SCHOOL of THOUGHT emerged from these
students who propagated the VIEWS and RULINGS of the Imam
through their writings and preachings.

15. Imam Shaf-ee (RAH) never committed a major sin nor spoke a lie, nor did he swallow an UNLAWFUL MORSEL of food in
his entire life.

He never at any time performed Jumma without Ghusal.

16. He was an extremely generous personality who on numerous occasions gave away all he possessed to the poor and
needy..

17. He died in Cairo, Egypt, on FRIDAY evening after Maghrib, 29th RAJAB, 204 A.H. (20th JAN; 820 A.C.) after a short
illness. Age of 53 / 54 years.
{ M.A.R.K. }

Lesson 3. IMAM SHA-FI-EE. (RAH). PAGE 0NE

ADDITIONAL FACTS. PAGE - 1

1. Abu Abdulla Muhammad ibn Idris ibn Al-Abbas bin Usman
bin Shafi`.

2. His ancestry joins the Prophet at ABD MANAAF.

3. His title is NAASIRUN SUNNAH. He was honoured as AL-
IMAAMUL MUJADDID in that he is the MUJADDID of the 2nd
century.

4. His birth place is Ghazza / Asqalaan - a place two stages from Jeruselam. He was born in RAJAB 150 A.H.

5. He was two years old when his parents moved to Makka and
made it their home.

6. His mother was a YEMENI - of the famous Bani Azd tribe.

7. His ancestor - SHAFI`- was the flag bearer of the Banu
Hashim in BADR.

He was taken prisoner and released after ransom.
Thereafter he embraced Islam.

Another report states :-He met the Prophet (SAW) as a
youngster and became a Muslim.

However his father - SAA-IB - was the flag bearer.....

8. Imam Shafi-ee completed Hifz at SEVEN and memorised
Muatta at TEN years.

9. At FIFTEEN with the permission of his SHAIKH - MUSLIM BIN KHALID ZANJI the Mufti of Makka - started issuing FATWAS.

10. Earlier he spent his time in ARABIC LITERATURE, POETRY.

One day at MINA, he heard a voice behind saying :
"ALIAKA BIL FIQAH" - (GRASP THE FIQAH )

11.Muslim bin Khalid who had noticed his remarkable
intelligence etc advised him to study Fiqah.
He spent three years with the Shaikh. until the age
of thirteen.

12. Later he went to Madina to study under Imam Malik.
Besides Imam MALIK, he studied HADITH under 81 Shaikhs.
In Makka his tutor was Sufyan bin Ainiyyah.
Imam Shafiee said about these TWO : " HAD IT NOT BEEN
FOR IMAM MALIK & SUFYAN, then ILM WOULD NOT HAVE
REMAINED IN HIDJAZ".

Lesson 3. IMAM SHA-FI-EE. (RAH).

13. He spent eight months with Imam Malik then returned to
Makka.

14. He came into contact in 184 A.H. with Imam Muhammad -
state Qazi -at Baghdad and stayed with him for over THREE
years. Taking into account future visits to the Imam, he
spent TEN years with Imam Muhammad.

Comments : " I NEVER CAME ACROSS A GREATER ALIM OF
KITABULLAH THAN

IMAM MUHAMMAD (Rah).
15.Imam Muhammad made this comment :
[a]. THE DOOR OF FIQAH WAS SHUT TO THE PEOPLE, ALLAH
OPENED IT BECAUSE OF SHAFI-EE.

[b]. IMAM SHAFI-EE IS THE MUJADDID OF DEEN.

16IMAN Malik made this comment :
[A]. NO SCHOLAR, MORE BRILLIANT THAN MUHAMMAD IBN IDRIS
SHAFI-EE EVER CAME TO ME AS A PUPIL.

F I Q A H S H A F I -E E.

The Imam had mastered both MALIKI & HANAFI FIQAH. Keeping
both before him, he formulated the basis of the SHAFI-EE
Fiqah.

His pupils compiled his works, Fatwas, teachings etc and
promoted the SHAFI-EE SCHOOL OF FIQAH.

Lesson 3. IMAM SHA-FI-EE. (RAH). PAGE 0NE

ADDITIONAL FACTS. PAGE - 2

1. Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Idrees SHAFI-EE (R.A.H.) was a
descendant from the Quraish tribe. He is the Only Imam
who is related to Rasulullah (SAW)

2. Imam Shafi-ee (RAH) was born in Ghazza, Syria in 150 A.H. ( 765 A.C.)
He lost his father during infancy and was raised by his
mother under very
poor circumstances.

3. He completed HIFZ of the QURAN at the tender age of SEVEN YEARS, and at
the age of THIRTEEN memorized the KITABUL-MUATTA of Imam
Malik. (RAH).

4. He spent several some time among the Beduins outside
Makka, to acquire
a good knowledge of the ARABIC Language.

5. At the age of TWENTY, ( 170 A.H. / 785 A.C.) he went to
MADINA and became
a student of IMAM MALIK [ Rah ] who was greatly
impressed with the young
student who had memorized the Muatta.

6. He stayed with Imam Malik for some time, thereafter he
returned to Makka.

7. He also came into contact with other learned men, from
all of whom he
acquired the knowledge of the QURAN , HADITH & SUNNAH.

8. In 184 A.H. / 799 A.C. , Imam Shafi-ee was
arrested and taken to
Baghdad to appear before Haroon Ar-Rasheed on charges of
treason. It was due to the recommendation of IMAM
MUHAMMAD -the state QAZI and student of
Imam Abu Hanifa that Imam Shafiee was discharged. He was
then 34 years old.

9. Imam Shafi-ee remained in Baghdad as a student of Imam
Muhammad for over
three years to add further to his knowledge of Islamic
Law.

10. He returned to Makka where he stayed for NINE YEARS
delivering lectures
on Islamic Law. It was during this period that Imam
Ahmad ibn Hambal came
into contact with Imam Shafi-ee.

11. In 199 A.H., he went to Egypt where he was received with much honour and respect.

12. Imam Shafi-ee was the author of over a hundred books the most important of which is the KITAAB-UL-UMM. It
contains the rulings of the Imam on all subjects of
Islamic Law.

13. The Shafi-ee SCHOOL of THOUGHT emerged from the students who propagated the VIEWS and RULINGS of the Imam through
their writings and preachings.

14. He died in Cairo, Egypt on the 29th RAJAB, 204 A.H.
(20th JAN; 820 A.C.) at the age of 53 / 54 years.
{M.A.R.K.}

Lesson Four.
IMAM AHMAD IBN MUHAMMAD HAMBAL. (RAH). Page One

1. Abu Abdullah Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hambal Shaibani Al-
Maruzi was of pure Arab descent whose ancestery joins
Hazrat Ebrahim A.S.

2. He was born in BAGHDAD in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, 164 A.H. He lost his father when he was only three years old.

3. Baghdad being the Capital of the Muslim State was an
important centre of learning during the Banu Abbas Era.

4. Imam Ahmad Hambal (RAH) completed Hifz of the Quran at an early age.

5. In 180 A.H.,when he was SIXTEEN years old, he began to
persue the Knowledge of Ahadith under the Imam ABU YUSUF
( the most important pupil of Imam ABU HANIFA (RAH).

6. He stayed with him for Three years, during which time he
recorded so much information, that the volumes filled
three book shelves.

7. Later he also attended the classes of Imam Muhammad (
another prominent pupil of Imam Abu Hanifa (RAH).

8. After accumlating knowledge from numerous scholars in
Baghdad, he journeyed to KUFA, BASRA, MAKKA, MADINA,
YEMEN, SYRIA, JAZIRA in order to increase his knowledge
of Ahadith.

9. After meeting with over a hundred SHAIKHS, he is reputed
to have made a collection of over a million Ahadith.

10. It was in 187 A.H., that he met IMAM SHAFI-EE (RAH) in
Makka for the first time. Later when Imam Shafi-ee came
to Baghdad, Imam Hambal also joined him during the Imam's
residence here and mastered from him FIQAH.

11. Imam Shafi-ee (RAH) too on the other hand relied very
much on the knowledge of Ahadith & Sunnah which Imam
Ahmad Hambal (RAH) possessed.

12. It was in 204 A.H., only after he had reached the age of forty, that Imam Ahmad Hambal (RAH) started conducting
lessons and delivering lectures.

13. Being a prominent figure, his lectures attracted a huge
gathering of atleast FIVE THOUSAND students among whom
nearly five hundred took down notes daily.

Lesson Four.
IMAM AHMAD IBN MUHAMMAD HAMBAL. (RAH). Page Two

14. IMAM BUKHARI, IMAM MUSLIM, & IMAM TIRMIZI (RAH) were also amongst his noteworthy students.

15. The MU`TAZILA controversy regarding the "IMMORTALITY &
CREATION of the QURAN" was the cause of much trial in the
life of the Imam, who suffered much over a period of
nearly fifteen years.

16. The Banu Abbas rulers - AL-MA`MOON & AL-MU`TASIM who were influenced by the Mu`tazila - tried to force the the
Ulama to accept the Mu`tazila doctrine.

17. Being a devotee of the SUNNAH, and an OPPOSER of BID`AT
it fell upon the shoulders of Imam Hambal (RAH) to
oppose this doctrine vigorously.

18. AL-MU`TASIM even ordered the flogging & imprisonment of
the Imam for several months.

Imam Hambal succumbed to the sufferings rather than
deviate from the Beliefs and practices of the Sunnah.

19. The sufferings of Imam Hambal ended when AL-MUTAWAKKIL
took over as ruler, restored the traditional teachings of
Islam and accorded the Imam the honour befitting the
great scholar.

20. Among his several works, is the ENCYCLOPAEDIA of AHADITH called MASNAD, compiled by his son - Abdulla, from his
lectures and amplified by references to over twenty eight
thousand Ahadith.

21. His other important works include a Collection of his
FATWAS { Islamic rulings on Religious Matters.} -
covering over TWENTY VOLUMES.

These FATWAS form the basis of the HAMBALI SCHOOL of
THOUGHT.

22. The HAMBALI represent the smallest group in the FOUR
SUNNI SCHOOLS of FIQAH.

23. Imam Hambal (RAH) died after a short illness in Baghdad, on FRIDAY evening, 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, 241 A.H. ( 855 A.C.)
at the Age of 77 years

22. His Janaza Salaat was attended by nearly a million people who came to pay their respects to this great scholal of
Islam.
{M.A.R.K.}