His Name and Lineage

He was Mohammad bin Idrees bin Al ‘Abbaas bin ‘Uthmaan bin Shaafi’ bin Saa’ib bin ‘Ubayd bin ‘Abd-Yazeed bin Haashim bin Al Muttalib bin ‘Abd-Manaaf bin Qusay bin Kilaab bin Murrah bin Ka’ab bin Lu’ayy bin Ghaalib. The Imaam, the Scholar of his time, the Protector of Hadeeth, the Faqeeh (jurist) of the religion; Aboo Abdillaah Al Qurashee then Mutallabee Ash-Shaafi’ee Al Makkee, Al Ghazzee by birth, a relative of the Messenger of Allaah and a son of his uncle, as Muttalib is the brother of Haashim who is the father of ‘Abdul-Muttalib.

His Birth and Early Years

There is an agreement that the birth of the Imaam was in Ghazzah, his father died whilst still at a young age, so Mohammad grew up as an orphan living with his mother. She feared illness upon him so she took him back to his homeland whilst he was two years of age.

Nasr bin Makkee said that Ibn ‘Abdil Hakam said that Ash-Shaafi’ee said to me, ‘I was born in Ghazzah in the year 150 Hijrah and my mother took me to Makkah when I was two years of age.’

Al Haafidh Ibn Hajar mentions in At-Tahdheeb: Ibn Abee Haatim said, my father narrated to us that he heard ‘Amr bin Sawaad say: Ash-Shaafi’ee said to me, ‘I was born in the city of ‘Asqalaan, so when I was two years old, my mother took me to Makkah and I had a great desire for two things – for archery and for seeking knowledge. So I took up archery until I would hit on target ten out of ten shots that I would fire’’- (‘Amr bin Sawaad said) but he remained quiet concerning knowledge, so I said to him, ‘By Allaah, you have acquired a greater amount by way of knowledge than that of archery.’”

So he grew up in Makkah, whilst at the same time taking up archery, such, that he surpassed his contemporaries in it, and began shooting correctly at the target nine out of every ten arrows fired.

He also began the study of Arabic and of poetry and likewise began to excel in them and became renowned. Then he became greatly attracted to Al Fiqh, such that he would be the lead in it for the people of his time.

His Teachers

Adh-Dhahabee says, ‘he took knowledge from his country from the likes of:
1. Muslim bin Khaalid Az-Zanjee – the Mufti of Makkah,
2. Sufyaan bin ‘Uyaynah,
3. ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Abee Bakar Al Mulaykah,
4. Fudayl bin ‘Iyaad and a number of others.’

Those he Narrated from
Al Haafidh says, ‘he narrated from:
1. Maalik bin Anas,
2. Ibraheem bin Sa’ad,
3. Ad-Daawardee,
4. ‘Abdul-Wahhaab Ath-Thaqafee,
5. Ibn ‘Ulayyah,
6. Ibraheem bin Mohammad bin Abee Yahyaa,
7. Hishaam bin Yousuf As-San’aanee and others.’

His Studies

Adh-Dhahabee says, Ahmad bin Ibraheem At-Taa’ee Al Aqtaa said, Al Muzanee narrated to us that he heard Ash-Shaafi’ee say, ‘I memorised the Qur’aan whilst I was still seven years of age, and I memorised Al Muwatta when I was ten years of age.’

Humaydee said, I heard Ash-Shaafi’ee say, ‘I used to be an orphan living with my mother, but she did not have enough (money) to suffice what was needed to give to my teachers, so my teacher used to allow me to stand in for him over the children when he was away, so I could gain a reduction from him.’

From Ash-Shaafi’ee that he said, ‘I came to Maalik (bin Anas) when I was thirteen years of age (Adh-Dhahabee says this is how it has been said but what is apparent is that he was twenty three years of age), so I went to the son of one of my uncles who was the governor of Al Madeenah, so he spoke to Maalik, so he said to him find someone who will read to you so I said I will read, so I used to read upon him, and sometimes he would have mentioned something during the course of it that had passed, so he would ask me to repeat it, so I would repeat it from memory. So it was as if that would amaze him, then I asked him concerning an issue and he answered to it, then I asked him again concerning another issue so he said, “you would love to become a judge” (i.e due to his enthusiasm for these issues).’

His Worship
From Mohammad bin Bishr Al Akaree and other than him who said, Ar-Rabee’ bin Sulaymaan narrated to us saying, ‘Ash-Shaafi’ee used to divide the hours of the night. So in the first third of it he would write and in the second part he would pray and in the last third he would sleep.’

Dhahabee says, ‘I say all three of his actions are considered worship, as long as the intention is present.’

Zakariyyah As-Saajee said Mohammad bin Isma’eel narrated to us saying Husayn Al Karabeesee narrated to me saying, ‘I stayed with Ash-Shaafi’ee for a night, so he would pray for about a third of the night, so I would not see that he would exceed reading more than fifty verses, but if he increased, then he would read a hundred verses, and he would not come across a verse relating to mercy except that he would ask Allaah (for it) and he would not come across a verse relating to a form of punishment except that he would seek refuge (from it) and it was as if both hope and longing as well as dread had been gathered together for him.’

His Stance against Innovation and Innovators
• Mohammad bin Yahyaa bin Aadam said Ibn ‘Abd-Al Hakam narrated to us saying I heard Ash-Shaafi’ee saying, ‘if the people truly knew of what is found in Al Kalaam (theological rhetoric) and innovations, then they would flee from it just as they would flee from a lion.’

• ‘Abdullaah bin Ahmad bin Hanbal reports saying, I heard Mohammad bin Dawood saying: ‘It has not been recorded that during the whole lifetime of Ash-Shaafi’ee, that he spoke from anything relating to innovated desires, nor was anything of the sort ever attributed to him, nor was he ever known for it, even though he had severe hatred for the people of Kalaam (rhetoric) and innovation.’

• From Ibn Abee Haatim who said, Yunus narrated to us saying, I said to Ash-Shaafi’ee, ‘our companion Al-Layth says, “If I saw a person of desires walking upon water I would not take from him.” So he said, ‘rather he fell short, if I saw him walking in thin air I would not take from him.’

• Az-Za’faraanee and others said we heard Ash-Shaafi’ee say, ‘My verdict concerning the people of Kalaam is that they should be whipped with Jareed (palm branches stripped of their leaves), then they should be mounted onto camels, and paraded throughout the district and that it be called out: ‘this is the reward for those who abandoned The Book and The Sunnah, and turned their attention instead to Kalaam.’

• Zakariyyaa As-Saajee said Ahmad Ibn Al ‘Abbaas An-Nasaa’ee narrated to us saying, I heard Az-Za’faraanee saying, that I heard Ash-Shaafi’ee saying, ‘I have never had a dispute with anyone over the issue of Kalaam except once, and even from that I seek the forgiveness of Allaah.’

• Mohammad bin Ishaaq bin Khuzaymah said, I heard Ar-Rabee’ saying, ‘whilst Ash-Shaafi’ee was advising Hafs Al Fard, Hafs said, “The Qur’aan is created.” So Ash-Shaafi’ee replied to him, “you have disbelieved in Allaah the Great.”’

• As-Saajee said, Ibraheem bin Ziyaad Al ‘Ubalee narrated to us, saying I heard Al Buwaytee saying, I asked Ash-Shaafi’ee, ‘Should I pray behind a Raafidee?’ So he said, ‘No, do not pray behind a Raafidee, nor behind a Qadaree, nor behind a Murji’ee.’ So I said: ‘describe them to us’, so he said, ‘whoever says “that Eemaan is only in statement”, then he is a Murji’ee, and whoever says, “Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar were not Imaams”, then he is a Raafidee, and whoever attributes Will (decree) to himself, then he is a Qadaree.’

• Az-Zubayr bin ‘Abdul-Waahid said: ‘Alee bin Mohammad informed us in Egypt, saying, Mohammad bin ‘Abdil-illaah bin ‘Abdil-Hakam said, ‘after Ash-Shaafi’ee debated Hafs Al Fard he acquired a great hate for Kalaam, and he used to say, “By Allaah, for a Scholar to issue a verdict, and then it be said about him, that the scholar has made a mistake, is better for him, than that he should speak with something and it be said of him: Zindeeq (evil heretic), and there is nothing more hateful to me than Kalaam and its people.”’

His Intellect
• ‘Alee bin Mohammad bin Abaan Al Qaadhee said, Aboo Yahyaa Zakariyyaa As-Saajee narrated to us, saying Al Muzanee narrated to us saying, ‘If there was anybody that could bring out my innermost conscience, and that which is related to the perilous belief I had with regard to the issue of Tawheed, then it would be Ash-Shaafi’ee. So I went to him, and I found him in Masjid Misr, so I knelt down on my knees in front of him and said, “there has come to my mind an issue with regards to Tawheed, and I know that nobody has the knowledge which you have, so what do you have?’(i.e with regards to this issue)”, so he became angry, then said, “do you know where you are?”, so I said, “yes.” He then said, “this is the place where Allaah caused Fir’awn (Pharoah) to drown. Has it ever reached you that the Messenger of Allaah commanded us with asking of such an issue?” I said, “no” then he said, “did the Companions ever speak about it?” I said, “no”, he then said, “do you know how many stars there are in the heavens?” I said, “no”, to which he said, “taking anyone of those stars into account do you know its type? Its height? Its setting? Or from what materials it was created?” I said, “no” so he said, “so how then, is there something from the creation that you can see with your naked eye that you have no knowledge of, and yet you speak concerning the knowledge of its Creator?!”

Then he asked me about an issue relating to Wudoo, and I erred with regards to answering it, so he himself answered it from four different angles, and I did not even answer the like of any of them, thereafter he said something that you are dependent upon five times a day – you leave off knowledge regarding it, and you burden yourself with the knowledge of the Creator, if there comes to your mind the like of that, then return to Allaah, and to His saying the Most High: “And your Lord is One, there is nothing worthy of worship other than Him, He is Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem. Indeed there in the creation of the heavens and the earth.” [Al Baqarah: 163-164]

So he proved through the creation, that there is a creator, so do not burden yourself with knowledge that your ‘Aql (intellect) cannot reach’. He said (i.e al-Muzanee): ‘So I repented from that.’

• Ibraaheem bin ‘Alee Al ‘Aabid informed us in his book, that Zakariyyah Al Albaa and others informed us, saying, ‘Abdul-Awwal bin ‘Eesaa informed us saying, Shaykh-ul-Islaam Aboo Isma’eel Al Harawee informed us, saying, Ya’qoob benefited me, and this is something which I copied from his own handwriting, that Aboo ‘Alee Al Khaalidee informed us, saying, I heard Mohammad Ibnul Husayn Az-Za’faraanee saying, I heard ‘Uthmaan bin Sa’eed bin Bashaar Al Anmaatee say, I heard Al Muzanee say, ‘I used to look into Kalaam before Ash-Shaafi’ee came, so when he came, I went to him, and I asked him about an issue from the issues of Kalaam, so he said to me, “do you know where you are?” I said, “yes, in the Masjid of Al Fustaat”, so he said to me, “you are in Taraan, (‘Uthmaan said, and Taraan is a place on the Red sea, a ship is barely able to survive its waters)”, so he asked me about an issue in Fiqh, so I answered it, then he entered into it something which distorted my answer, so I answered again, then he entered something into it which again distorted my answer, such, that every time I would answer with anything, he would distort it somehow, then he said to me, “this is the Fiqh which contains The Book and The Sunnah, and the statements of the people (scholars), the likes of these things can enter into them, (and distort them) so how about speaking with regards to the Lord of the Creation, in which there is much erring to be found”. So I abandoned Kalaam, and turned my attention instead to Al Fiqh.’

• Harmalah said, ‘Ash-Shaafi’ee was asked concerning a man who had a date in his mouth, then said, “if I swallow it (the date) then my wife is to be divorced, and if I spit it (the date) out, then my wife is to be divorced”. So he (Ash-Shaafi’ee) replied, “he should eat half of it and spit the other half out.”’

His Fearfullness of Allaah
Az-Zubayr bin ‘Abdul-Waahid said, Mohammad bin ‘Aqeel Al Firyaanee narrated to us saying, Al Muzanee or Ar-Rabee’ said, ‘We were with Ash-Shaafi’ee one day, when there came to him a Shaykh who was wearing a woollen garment, and he had in his hand a staff, so Ash-Shaafi’ee stood up for him, and straightened out his clothes, the Shaykh then gave Salaam and sat down. So Ash-Shaafi’ee began looking at the Shaykh out of awe of him, at which point the Shaykh said, “can I ask?” So he (i.e Ash-Shaafi’ee) replied, “ask”, so he said, “what are the proofs that we use in the religion of Allaah?”

So he said, “the Book of Allaah”, so the Shaykh said, “and what else?”, he replied, ‘”he Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger”, so he said, “and what else?” so he replied, “{the agreement of the Ummah”. The Shaykh said, “from where have you taken the aspect of the agreement of the Ummah?” So Ash-Shaafi’ee began thinking deeply, after which the Shaykh said, “I give you three days (to think about it), so either you come with a proof for what you said from the Book of Allaah, or otherwise you should repent to Allaah.” So the colour on Ash-Shaafi’ee’s face changed, then he (Ash-Shaafi’ee) got up and left and he did not come out of his house until the third day between Dhuhr and ‘Asr. While at the same time his face, and his hands and his legs looked swollen, and he looked sickly, so he sat down, and it was not long before the Shaykh arrived, who gave Salaam and sat down, then said, “where is my requirement?” so Ash-Shaafi’ee said, “yes, I seek refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan the accursed, Allaah The Most High says: “And whomsoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has become clear to him, and he follows a path other than the path of the believers, then we shall leave him to that which he turned to” [An-Nisaa': 115]. So he would not burn this individual for going against the path of the believers, except that it was an obligation (i.e which he left out).” So the Shaykh said, “you have spoken truthfully”, then he stood up and left. So Ash-Shaafi’ee said, “I read the Qur’aan each day and night three times until I decided upon it.”’

Scholar’s Praise for him
• Al Haarith bin As-Surayj said, I heard Yahyaa Al Qattaan saying: ‘I make supplication to Allaah for Ash-Shaafi’ee I specify him in it.’

• Aboo Bakr Khallaad said, ‘I make supplication to Allaah for Ash-Shaafi’ee at the end of my prayer.’

• Mohammad bin Haroon Az-Zanjee said, ‘Abdullaah bin Ahmad narrated to us saying, ‘I said to my father, “what kind of man was Ash-Shaafi’ee? As I have heard you make a great amount of supplication for him”, so he said, “O My son, he used to be like how the sun is for the earth, as a vitality for the people, so is there for any of these two a successor or from the two any like?”’

• Qutaybah bin Sa’eed said, ‘Ash-Shaafi’ee is an Imaam.’

• Al Maymoonee said, I heard Ahmad bin Hanbal saying,

‘There are six individuals for whom I make supplication for in the last part of the night, one of them is Ash-Shaafi’ee.’

• Ahmad bin Hanbal said, in varying chains of narration from him,

‘Indeed Allaah destines for the people at the head of every one hundred years someone who will teach them the Sunan. Someone who will remove from the Messenger of Allaah any lies attributed to him, so when we looked at the end of the first one hundred years and there was ‘Umar bin ‘Abdil ‘Azeez, and at head of the second one hundred years there was Ash-Shaafi’ee.’

• Aboo Thawr Al Kalbee said: ‘I have not seen the like of Ash-Shaafi’ee, nor has he seen the like of himself.’

• Ayyoob bin Suwayd said: ‘I never thought that I would live to see the like of Ash-Shaafi’ee.’

• Yoonus As-Sadafee said, ‘I have not seen anybody more perfect in intellect than Ash-Shaafi’ee, I had a debate with him one day regarding an issue, thereafter we parted. Then he met me again, so he took me by the hand then said, “O Abaa Moosaa, can it not be that we remain brothers even if we differ in an issue.”’

• I say (Dhahabee): ‘This is a proof of the completeness of the intellect of this Imaam, and his understanding of his own soul, as the contemporaries (equals/peers) do not cease to differ.’

• Ma’mar bin Shabeeb said, I heard Ma’moon saying, ‘I put Mohammad bin Idrees to test in everything, and I found him at the end of it to be undivided.’

• Dawood bin ‘Alee said, I heard Ibn Raahawayh (Ishaaq bin Raahawayh) saying, ‘I never knew that Ash-Shaafi’ee was at this distinction, if I had known of it, I would never have left him.’

• Aboo Dawood As-Sijistaanee said, ‘I do not know Ash-Shaafi’ee to have made a single error in Hadeeth.’

• Ibraheem bin Abee Taalib Al Haafidh said, ‘I asked Abaa Qudaamah As-Sarikhsee concerning: Ash-Shaafi’ee and Ahmad, and Abee ‘Ubayd, and Ibn Raahawayh, so he said, “Ash-Shaafi’ee is the most perceptive of them.”’

• ‘Abdullaah bin Naajiyah Al Haafidh said, I heard Ibn Waarah saying, ‘I came back from Egypt, so I went to Ahmad bin Hanbal, so he said to me, “did you copy out the books of Ash-Shaafi’ee?” I said, “no” so he said, “you were neglectful, we did not know the general (principles) from the specific ones, nor did we know which Hadeeth were abrogated from those Hadeeth which abrogate others, all this we did not know, until we sat with Ash-Shaafi’ee.” So that inspired me to return to Egypt, after which I began writing them out.’

• Mohammad bin Ya’qoob Al Farajee said, I heard ‘Alee Al Madeenee saying, ‘Upon you are the books of Ash-Shaafi’ee.’

• Aboo Bakr As-Sawma’ee said, I heard Ahmad bin Hanbal saying: ‘The companion of Hadeeth can never become quenched by the books of Ash-Shaafi’ee.’

• Ahmad bin Salamah An-Naysaabooree said, ‘Ishaaq bin Rahawayh married a women whose husband had died, but he had possessed the books of Ash-Shaafi’ee, he (Ishaaq) did not marry her except for those books.’

• Aboo Moosaa Ad-Dareer was asked regarding the books of Ash-Shaaf’ee as to how they became so widespread amongst the people, so he said, ‘Allaah chose him for His knowledge, then He raised him.’

• Ishaaq bin Raahawayh was asked how it was that Ash-Shaafiee authored all those books yet his age was not very much, so he said, ‘Allaah gathered for him his ‘Aql (intellect), despite the shortness of his age.’

His Sayings
• Ash-Shaafi’ee said,

‘Knowledge is what benefits, knowledge is not what is merely memorised.’

• Aboo ‘Alee bin Hakamaan said, Ahmad bin Mohammad bin Haaroon Al Hamadaanee Al ‘Adl narrated to us, that Aboo Muslim Al Kajjee narrated to us saying, Al Asma’ee narrated to us from Ash-Shaafi’ee, that he said,

‘The core of knowledge, is steadfastness, and its fruit is security, and the core of cautiousness is contentment, and its fruit is tranquillity, and the core of patience is to be resolute, and its fruit is triumph, and the core of actions is ability, and its fruit is success, and the goal in each and every affair is truthfulness.’’

• Aboo Thawr said, I heard Ash-Shaafi’ee say,

‘It befits the Faqeeh (jurist), that he should place some soil onto his head out of humbleness to Allaah, and out of thanks to Allaah.’

• Ar-Rabee’ said, Ash-Shaafi’ee said to me,

‘If the Fuqahaa (jurists and people of knowledge) are not the Awliyaa (loyal and devoted ones) of Allaah, then Allaah has no Walee.’

• Hurmulah said, I heard Ash-Shaafi’ee say,

‘I would love that all the knowledge that I have learnt, that I should teach the people, so that I would get the reward, and they would not praise me for it.’

• It has been reported through two chains from Ash-Shaafi’ee, that he said,

‘If I see a man the companions of Hadeeth, then it is as if I am seeing a companion of the Prophet, may Allaah reward them with all good, they protected for us the Asl (origin/foundation), so they have excellence over us.’

• Yoonus bin ‘Abdil-A’laa said, Ash-Shaafi’ee said to me,

‘Pleasing the people is a goal you will never reach, and there is no way to ensure security from them, so upon you be that which will benefit you, then adhere to that.’

• From Ash-Shaafi’ee that he said,

‘The sign of a true friend, is that he behaves to the friend of his friend as a friend.’

• From Ash-Shaafi’ee that he said,

‘The most elevated of people in status, are those who do not recognise from themselves any status, and those of them who possess the most excellence are those who do not see their excellence.’

His Madh-hab

• From Ash-Shaafi’ee who said, ‘If you see in any of my books that which is contradictory to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah, then speak with that, and leave alone what I said.’

• Al Humaydee said, ‘Ash-Shaafi’ee narrated a Hadeeth one day, so I said to him, “are you going to take that? (i.e as a means of practice)”, so he said, “did you see me coming out from a church, or do you see upon me a Zunnaar (the waist belt of the Christians and Magians) that I should hear a Hadeeth from the Messenger of Allaah and that I should not speak with it?!”’’

• It has been narrated that he said, ‘If a Hadeeth is proven to be authentic, then it is my Madh-hab, and if the Hadeeth is proven authentic, then throw my saying against the wall.’

• Ar-Rabee’ said, I heard him (Ash-Shaafi’ee) say after a man had said to him, ‘do you take this Hadeeth O Abaa Abdillaah?’, so he said, ‘when I narrate a Hadeeth from the Messenger of Allaah, which is an authentic Hadeeth, and that I do not take it, then you should bear witness that my ‘Aql (intellect) has gone.’

His Death

Al Haafidh says in At-Tahdheeb: Ibn Abee Haatim said, ‘’Abd Al-Hakam narrated to us, saying that Ash-Shaafi’ee was born in the year 150H, and died in the last day of Rajab in the year 204H more than one person have written historical accounts of him, and his outstanding virtues and excellence are very many.

Ibn Abee Haatim and Zakariyyaa As-Saajee and Al Haakim and Al Bayhaqee and Al Harawee and Ibn Asaakir and others have gathered them.

Taken from: Siyar A’laam An-Nubalaa of Imaam Adh-Dhahabee, publisher: Mu’asasa Ar-Risaalah [Vol. 10, Pg: 5-99]
Tahdheeb At-Tahdheeb of Al Haafidh Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalaanee, publisher: Hindiyyah Hyderabad – Deccan [Vol. 9, Pg: 25-31]
[Taken and adapted from SalafiPublications.com]

Source

Related Links:

• Brief Biography of Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah) – Fareed Abdullaah

Questioner: As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Wa Alaikumus Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Questioner: Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool?

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Ahmad

Questioner: As Salaamu Alaikum Yaa Shaikh, you have with you one of the Salafies from Egypt.

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Proceed, HayyaakAllah

Questioner: Shaikh may I ask a question?

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Go Ahead.

Questioner: May I record it?

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Go Ahead.

Questioner: Shaikh a big fitnah has come up here in Egypt.  We would like your guidance (in this affair). We hear Shaikh Muhammad Sa’eed Raslaan speaking bad about Shaikh Muhammad Ibraaheem and we hear Shaikh Muhammad Ibraaheem speaking bad about Shaikh Raslaan.   We would like your advice, which one do you advise us to seek knowledge from?

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: By Allah, Yaa Akhee may Allah reward you; the one that I know and that which has reached me is that Shaikh Khaalid ‘Abdur Rahmaan, Shaikh Abu ‘Abdil A’ala Al Misree, and a group of students of knowledge from Egypt praise Shaikh Raslaan; however they do not praise this second one you mentioned ý Muhammad Ibraaheem-.   Rather, they mention (Muhammad Ibraaheem’s) mistakes in the Salafy Minhaj. Also I know (personally) that Shaikh Rabee’ praises Shaikh Raslaan. I have also heard that Muhammad Ibraaheem visited Shaikh Rabee’ but like it is said or like Shaikh Rabee’ himself said with regards to the question when there is a deference of opinion about a person (i.e. paraphrasing Shaikh Rabee’), ‘Going to the one whom there is no difference of opinion about him takes precedence.’

So Al Hamdulillah the Mashaayikh with you in Egypt are well known, benefit from them and refer to them. (The likes of): Shaikh Hasan Al Bannaa, Shaikh Khaalid Abdur Rahmaan and Shaikh Abu ‘Abdil A’ala.  They are well known for knowledge,Sunnah and Minhaj.  And Shaikh Raslaan as I have mentioned has been praised by those Mashaayikh, hayyaakumullah.

Questioner: Shaikh, may Allah reward and preserve you O Shaikh.

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Hayyaakumullah

Questioner: As Salaamu Alaikum

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: Wa Alaikumus Salaam Wa Rahmatullah

Source; http://main.salafyink.com/PDF/StudentOfKnowledge/ShBazmoolShRaslaan.pdf
Translator: Abu Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee

Original Source: http://www.salafmasr.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4239

–

The Scholars in Egypt? 

Author: Shaikh Falaah Ismaa’eel Al Mandakar (hafithahuAllah)
Source: The Shaykh’s official website www.mandakar.com
Translator: Umm ‘Abdis Salaam Al Grenaadiyyah
Translation source: http://www.salafyink.com/aqeedah/TheScholarsEgypt.pdf

Q: With what do you advise me with regards to listening to the scholars who are in Egypt; and who from amongst them is upon the Haqq (i.e the truth)?

A: All Praise and thanks belongs to Allah that in every place you will find people upon the Haqq. From the mercy of Allah there are always people who remain upon the truth in every time. And he from whom I know from the Scholars of Egypt is the noble and esteemed Sheikh Muhammad Sa’eed Raslaan. “The people of Mecca are best acquainted with its people”, so refer back to Sheikh Muhammad Sa’eed Raslaan for verily he is good (and sufficient) to ask about the people (i.e. Scholars) of Egypt.

Posted from: http://salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=14&Topic=7366

Full Name: Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Nasir al-Faqeehi

He attended the Islamic University of Madeenah in 1381H and at that time Sheikh Abdul Azeez ibn Baaz rahimahullaah was heading the university.

Sheikh al-Faqihi has a doctorate in ‘Aqeedah and is currently Director of Scientific Affairs at King Fahd Complex for Printing the Quran and the Deputy Editor of the Journal of Qur’anic Research and Studies Magazine. The Shaykh is also a Professor at Islamic University of Madeenah and aTeacher in Prophet’s Masjid, Madeenah Al-Munawwara.

Some of his Teachers:

• Haafidh al-Hakami
• Shaykh Ibn Baaz
• Shaykh Muhammad Khaleel Harraas
• Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee
• Shaykh Ahmed an-Najmee
• Shaykh Abdul Muhsin al-Abbaad

Some of his Students:

• Shaykh Falaah Ismaeel
• Shaykh Abdur Razzaq ibn Abdul Muhsin al-Abbaad
• Shaykh Abdullah al-Bukhari

Scholar’s Praise for him:

• On the website of Imaam Ibn Baz rahimahullah a list of the Shaykh’s prominent Students with their brief introductions is given. In that list the name of Shaykh Ali al-Faqeehee is also mentioned.
• Shaykh Salih as-Suhaymee has mentioned him among a list of Ulema’ here
• Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree has mentioned him among a list of Ulema’ here
• Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadi has mentioned him among a list of Ulema’ here
• Shaykh Falaah Ismaeel also named Shaykh al-Faqihee as one of the Ulemah of Saudi Arabia here

Please click here, here & here to know more about the status the Shaykh enjoys among the Senior Scholars of our time.

Collection of his lectures and lessons:

Please click here.

Books:

One of the books written by the Shaykh is entitled Al-Bida’ah. One of the books edited/verified by him is al-haydah [al-manaadharah al-kubra bayn ahl us-sunnah wal-firaq ad-daalah] by Imaam Abd ul-Azeez bin Yahya al-Makki al-Kinaani (d.264). The Shaykh has also checked the book The Book Of Forty Hadeeth Regarding The Madhhab Of The Salaf. In addition, the Shaykh has introduced the bookKun Salafian alal Jaadah (Be a Serious Salafi) that is written by Shaykh Abdus Salaam as-Suhaymee and is checked by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan.

Post Courtesy: Sajid Chauhan al Hindi @ http://salafitalk.net

PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

Author: Sayyid bin ‘Abbaas Al-Julaymee
Source: His Checking of the book Manaahij wa Diraasaat li Ayaat-il-Asmaa was-Sifaat (pg. 4-6)

His Name:
He was the great scholar, the Shaikh, Muhammad Al-Ameen Ibn Muhammad Al-Mukhtaar bin ‘Abdil-Qaadir Al-Jaknee As-Shanqeetee. His compound name was Muhammad Al-Ameen, just like the name of his father (i.e. Muhammad Al-Mukhtaar), which was the common practice of naming in their lands.

His Birth and Lineage:
He was born in 1325H in the region known as Shanqeet, which is the eastern part of the state of Mauritania, which lies on the (eastern) coast of the Atlantic Ocean, south of Morocco and Algeria and north of Senegal.

His lineage traces back to Ya’qoob bin Jaakin, the forefather of the large tribe, known as the Jaknees. The lineage of this tribe traces back to Himayr.

His Educational Upbringing:
He was born in a household of knowledge consisting of men and women that were learned. His mother was the daughter of his father’s paternal uncle (i.e. his father’s female cousin). So he studied under his maternal uncles, his maternal cousins and their women, the basic aspects of knowledge and the sciences of the Qur’aan.

He completed his studies in various subjects of the Religion under the senior scholars of his land, such as the subjects of Tafseer, Hadeeth, Fiqh, Usool, Nahw, Sarf, Balaagha and more.

He adhered to the Maalikee madh-hab without blindly following it and being fanatical about it. In fact, he followed the evidences with regard to the religious rulings.

His Work and Entrance into the Hijaaz Area:
After finishing his studies of the various subjects of the Religion, he worked as a teacher and as a judge in family jurisdiction. So people in dispute would go to him and he would make his judgment between them. His rulings and verdicts were carried out and enforced by everyone, even the government of his country at that time.

In the year 1367H, he went to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj and began to teach there in the Prophet’s Mosque. The people in charge of this Mosque became acquainted with him and sought for him to remain in the Haramayn (vicinity of Makkah and Madeenah) so that he can teach and provide general benefit. [1]

In 1371H, he was called to teach in the educational institutes and colleges of Riyadh. Then he moved to Madeenah to teach in the Islamic University there. [2]

His Written Works:
He has authored some books, which include:

1. Adwaa-ul-Bayaan fee Tafseer-il-Qur’aan bil-Qur’aan – printed [This is his tremendous voluminous work on Tafseer of the Qur'aan]
2. Al-Mudhakkirah fee Usool-il-Fiqh – printed [A small treatise on the Principles of Fiqh]
3. Adab Al-Bah-th wal-Munaadhara – printed [Etiquettes for Researching]
4. Alfiyyah fil-Mantiq Daf’u Eehaam Al-Idtiraab ‘an Ayaat-il-Kitaab – printed
5. Man’u Jawaaz Al-Majaaz – printed
6. Mandhoomah fil-Faraa’id [A Book on the Laws of Inheritance]
7. Furoo’ Maalik – a poetic text
8. Sharh ‘alaa Maraaqee As-Sa’ood – a dictation he made to his students
9. Sharh ‘alaa As-Sullam – a dictation he made to his students
10. Ansaab-ul-’Arab – a poetic text
11. Manaahij wa Diraasaat li-Ayaat-il-Asmaa was-Sifaat – A transcribed lecture he gave in the Islamic University on the 13th of Ramadaan, 1382H.

His Death:
The Shaikh died on the forenoon of Thursday, the 17th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1393H. His death occurred in Makkah on his return from Hajj. He was buried in the Mi’alaa graveyard and his funeral prayer was held in the Ka’bah after the Dhuhr prayer of that same day. Shaikh ‘Abdul-’Azeez bin ‘Abdillaah bin Baaz prayed over him, along with all the other Muslims that attended, may Allaah have mercy on him.

For his Biography, refer to Al-A’alaam of Az-Zirkilee (6/45), Al-Manhal (the Dhul-Hijjah Issue of 1393H: pg. 982), and Mashaaheer ‘Ulamaa Najd (pg. 517-520 & 540-543)

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The students that often frequented his classes on Tafseer of the Qur’aan in the Prophet’s Masjid were many, the most famous of whom were: Imaam Ibn Baaz, Bakr Abu Zayd and ‘Atiyyah Muhammad Saalim, the one who completed Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee’s great work Adwaa-ul-Bayaan, after his death.

[2] Translator’s Note: Among the students he taught while in the Islamic University of Madeenah, was Shaikh Rabee’ bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee, may Allaah preserve him.

The Strongest of the Companions in Eemaan
Taken from the book
‘The Life of the Greatest Man After the Prophets & Messengers: Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq’
Compiled By Muhammad Uthmaan al-Anjaaree
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

1- On the authority of Abu Huraira -Radi Allaahu anhu- who said the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- prayed the morning prayer, then he faced the people and said: ‘While a man was leading a cow, he began to ride it and beat it. So the cow said to him: ‘we were not created for this, rather we were created for ploughing.’

So the people said: ‘Subhana Allaah a cow spoke!’

The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘Indeed I believe this, me and Abu Bakr and Umar.’ Even though they were not present.

The Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- continued: ‘While a man was with some sheep, suddenly a wolf attacked them and took away one sheep from amongst them. The shepherd called the sheep as if trying to rescue it from the wolf. The wolf said to him: ‘You want to rescue it from me, so who will protect it on the day when the predatory animal comes, the day when it has no shepherd other than me.’

So the people said: ‘Subhana Allaah, a wolf spoke.’

The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘Indeed I believe this, me and Abu Bakr and Umar.’ Even though they were not present.[1]

* Hafidh Ibn Hajr said: ‘It is possible that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said that due to what he knew of their overwhelming Eemaan and the strength of their certainty.[2]

–

2- On the authority of Abu Huraira -Radi Allaahu anhu- who said the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: There was a man walking wearing a garment whose appearance impressed his own self. Allaah made the ground swallow him up and he kept tumbling down into it until the Day of Judgement.’ Abu Bakr and Umar testified to it, while Abu Bakr and Umar were not present.[3]

–

3- On the authority of Ayyoob who said: that AbdurRahmaan bin Abu Bakr said to his father (Abu Bakr): I saw you on the day of Uhud but I avoided you. So Abu Bakr said: ‘if I had seen you I would not have avoided you.’[4]

–

4- On the authority of Umar: ‘If the Eemaan of Abu Bakr was weighed against the Eemaan of the people of the earth, the Eemaan of Abu Bakr would outweigh the others.’ [5]

–

5- On the authority of Aa’ishah who said: ‘I swear by Allaah that Abu Bakr left drinking alcohol in pre-Islaamic times and he did not doubt in Allaah after having accepted Islaam.’[6]

–

6- On the authority of Ibn Shihaab who said: ‘From the excellence of Abu Bakr is that he never ever doubted in Allaah – Azza wa Jal – even for an hour.’[7]

–

7- On the authority of Bakr bin Abdullaah who said: ‘Indeed the people did not prefer Abu Bakr because he would pray and fast more than them, rather they preferred him due to something his heart.’[8]

‘Aboo Bakr did not have excellence over the people ( lam yafdulin-naasa) on account of praying and fasting more than them, but rather he had excellence over them on account of something which was in his heart.’ -And I think the reference should be Narrated by Imam Ahmad in ‘Fadail as-Sahabah’ with this wording (1:141) no. 118 .

[Taken from the book: ‘The Life of the Greatest Man After the Prophets & Messengers: Abu Bakr asSiddeeq’ P.190-191]

References:

[1] Narrated by Bukhari no.3285 and Muslim (15/156 Nawawee).
[2] Fath al-Bari 7/18
[3] Narrated by Imam Ahmad in ‘Fadail as-Sahabah’ with this wording (1:112) no. 92. Its researcher WaseeAllaah bin Muhammad Abbas said: Its Isnaad is Saheeh. Narrated by Bukhari no.5453 & Muslim (14/63 Nawawee). By AbdurRazzaq (11:82) no. 19983 but they did not mention ‘Abu Bakr and Umar testified to it.’ This extra wording was mentioned by Musadad as in ‘al-Mutalib al-‘Aaleeyah’ (4:35)

[4] Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah (14:408) no. 18642 and Ibn Hajr said in ‘Talkhees al-Habeer’ (4:101): its narrators are
trustworthy along with Irsaal.
[5] Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in ‘al-Jamia’ lashu’ab al-Eemaan’ (1:18) and its narrators are trustworthy.
[6] Narrated by Abu Na’eem in ‘al-Ma’arifah’ 91;179) no. 108
[7] Narrated by Abdullaah in his Zawaid of al-Fadail (1:126) no. 96. Its researcher WaseeAllaah bin Muhammad Abbas said: Its Isnaad is Saheeh till az-Zuhri.
[8] Narrated by Imam Ahmad in ‘Fadail as-Sahabah’ with this wording (1:114) no. 118 Its researcher WaseeAllaah bin Muhammad Abbas said: Its Isnaad is Saheeh.

Shaikh Alee Ridaa bin Abdullah bin Alee Ridaa was praised by Imaam al-Albaanee in numerous places in his as-Silsilah as-Saheehah, that he is amongst those who are grounded in Hadeeth, and also Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin al-Abbaad praises him.

The Shaykh has numerous works and tahqeeqaat amongst them, ”al-Mabaahith al-’Ilmiyyah”, “Laa Takdhib Alayya Muta’ammidan”, “al-Mujallaa Fee Tahqeeq Ahaadeeth al-Muhallaa”, “Tahqeeq Ikhbaar Ahl ir-Rushookh”, “Tahqeeq ar-Radd ‘alal-Qaa’ileena bi Wahdat il-Wujood”, “Tahqeeq Tahdheeb al-Athaar lit-Tabaree”, “Tahqeeq al-Fataawaa al-Hadeethiyyah of as-Sakhaawee” and others.

Imaam Muqbil praised him during the course of one of his refutations upon Abdur-Rahmaan Abdul-Khaaliq and he said that he (Shaikh Alee Ridaa) is “From the people of knowledge”.

Introduction of Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin al-Abbaad for the book of Shaikh Alee Ridhaa refuting Hasan al-Maalikee:

All praise is due to Allaah, and prayers upon the one after whom there is no prophet, and upon his family and companions, to proceed:

Our brother, the noble Shaikh, Alee Ridhaa bin Abdullaah bin Ridhaa has read samples to me from what he has written of the stumblings and confusion of Hasan al-Maalikee and his wife in what they have written concerning the pledge of allegiance of Alee radiallaahu anhu.

And he has unveiled their ignorance and their evil understandings, because they both entered into something to which they are foreigners, so may Allaah reward him with good and give him ample reward…

…And Shaikh Alee is one [known] with due diligence to and concern for the Sunnah and returning to the speech of the people of knowledge, and benefiting from them, especially, Shaikh al-Albaanee (rahmatullaah alaihi). And he also has great efforts in the newspapers in refuting some of the people of innovation and the erroneous views,  and he has also made numerous excursions in refuting al-Maalikee in the papers numerous years previously.

And al-Maalikee mentioned in one of his evil books that he was put to trial by a people, the most envious (jealous) of them being Alee Ridhaa, and I do not know for what thing this al-Maalikee should be envied for? Should he be envied for ignorance of the Sunnah and attacking the Sahaabah andthose who travel upon their methodology from Ahl us-Sunnah or what?

And may Allaah send prayer, and peace and blessings upon His servant, and His messenger, our Prophet, Muhammad, his family and his companions.

Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad al-Abbaad al-Badr
8/11/1423H

The above is modified from http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=23&Topic=1256

The Shaykh also supervises the website http://www.albaidha.net/vb/ on which Shaykh Dr. Ahmad Baazmool hafidhahumullah also posts sometimes.

Further the Shaykh has been posting on Sahab.net since many years now and his posts can be accessed by clicking here

I hope other brothers and sisters would add onto this to make the biography more complete inshAllah. AhsanAllahu ilaykum. May Allah protect Shaykh Alee and the other mashaykh of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. Aameen.

The Shaykh’s official website is http://ali-raida.com/
Another forum which the Shaykh supervises is http://www.ahl-elathar.net/vb/index.php

Post Courtesy: http://salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=19&Topic=9277

He was `Abdullaah ibn `Umar ibn al-Khattaab. Aboo `Abdir-Rahmaan, alQurashee, al- `Adawee, al-Makkee, then al-Madanee.  The noble Companion.

He accepted Islaam whilst young, a short time after Prophethood, and he made Hijrah along with his father whilst still a boy. He was too young to fight at  Uhud, but he fought at al-Khandaq (The Trench). He gave the pledge of  allegiance beneath the Tree (al-Bay`atur-Ridwaan)…

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Posted from: http://alitisaambissunnah.wordpress.com

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Posted from: http://alitisaambissunnah.wordpress.com

A lecture from the Winter conference of 2010/2011 which took place in Birmingham UK wherein our brother Abu ‘Abdillaah Hasan as-Sumaalee brought us  a number of benefits and an insightful glimpse into the life of the great Imaam al-Aajuree’ derived from the compilation of  Imaam Adh-Dhahabee entitled “Seerah ‘Alaam an-Nubala” (Biographies of the Outstanding Individuals of al-Islaam from Amongst the Fantastic Figures of this Religion) during the course of a summarized reading of Imaam al-Aajureee’s classical comprehensive reference work known as “ash-Sharee’ah”. 

Review:

‘Uthmaan Ibn ‘Affaan رضي الله عنه

Born six years after the year of the elephant (‘Aam al-Feel), ‘Uthmaan Ibn ‘Affaan, may Allah be pleased with him, belonged to a well-reputed and honourable family of Makkah in the period of Jahiliyyah, Banu Umayyah, a branch of the tribe of Quraysh. His ancestral pedigree joins with that of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him in the fifth generation. His father’s name is ‘Uthmaaan Ibn ‘Affaan Ibn Abi Al-’Aas Ibn Ummayyah Ibn ‘Abd Shams Ibn ‘Abd Manaaf. His mother’s name is Arwa Bint Kurayz.

‘Uthmaan was one of the few persons in Makkah who learned how to read and write at an early age, and as a young man became a successful merchant and businessman. Of all his contemporaries, he was a venerable man of overrated virtue and outstanding attributes. Though he was extremely wealthy and of high rank, he was always noted for his modesty and humbleness. Even before landing on the safe shore of Islam, he was a soft natured and kind hearted man; he used to help the needy and the poor-stricken, and did not hesitate to spend any amount of money on seeing a man in trouble in order to remove his misery. For his lofty morals and decent way of expression, the Makkans had great respect for him. It is also said that he never wronged anyone, nor did anything obscene, or prostrated himself before idols in Jahiliyyah.

‘Uthmaan, may Allaah be pleased with him, was among the early converts to Islam. He and Abu Bakr were close friends, and it was Abu Bakr who convinced him to embrace Islam, when the latter was thirty-four years of age.

Kharijite insurgents were plotting to assassinate and murder ‘Uthmaan. When the period of Hajj was over and support came from Madeenah in favour of the Caliph, this made things difficult for the insurgents. So they decided on this ground to execute their mission immediately before things got out of hand and before they were overpowered by the allied forces supporting the Caliph. They tried to break into the Caliph’s house, but failed because of the resistance of the Ansaar and the Muhajireen. Then the insurgents decided to burn ‘Uthmaan’s house. They climbed the walls and attacked him while he was reciting the Glorious Qur’an silently. Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr did not hurt the caliph, but Al-Ghafiqi Ibn Harb immediately hit ‘Uthmaan with an axe he was holding. Then another one struck him with his sword. On seeing this ugly scene, the Caliph’s wife, Naa’ilah tried to protect him, but the sword chopped off her fingers. One of the insurgents ultimately put an end to the Caliphs life by striking him. The insurgents robbed the Caliph’s house and Baitul-Maal.

This event took place on Friday, 18th Dhul-Hijjah, 35 A.H (656 AC).

These evil men only allowed the people to bury the Commander of the Faithful in secret. Then his decent and clean body was finally laid to rest at night and his burial was attended by a few mourners.

This unfortunate and painful incidence brought to an end to the life of the third Rightly-Guided Caliph, ‘Uthmaan Ibn ‘Affaan, at 80 years of age. It was undoubtedly an abundant life of one of the revered Companions, one of the pious early Muslims who strove in Allah’s cause with his soul, money and his utmost service and self-sacrifice. To justify this event was nothing but pain felt by all the Muslims. Its effect is still remembered in the Muslim world today.

[Biographies of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, prepared from the works of Ibn Katheer, At-Tabari, As-Suyooti, and other historians, Dar Al-Manarah]

[Source]

Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه

He was the first to accept Islaam from amongst the men, the friend of the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم), the first Khalifa of the Muslims. He is Abdullaah bin Abee Quhafah Uthmaan bin ‘Aamir al-Qurashee at-Taymee, may Allaah be pleased with him, and may Allaah curse those who curse him.

He was called Ateeq because he had a beautiful face. ‘Amr bin al-‘Aas asked: O Messenger of Allaah which of the men is most beloved to you? He said: Abu Bakr.’ [Reported by Bukharee & Muslim]

Muhammad bin Jubair bin Mutim said: My father told me that a woman came to the Messenger of Allaah and spoke to him about something, and then he ordered her with something, so she said: O Messenger of Allaah if I don’t find you? So he said: If you don’t find me, go to Abu Bakr.’ [Bukharee & Muslim]

‘Alee said: The best of this Ummah after its Prophet is Abu Bakr & Umar.

Adh-Dhahabee said: I swear by Allaah, The ‘Atheem, that ‘Alee said this and it is mutawaatir upon him, because he said it on the Mimbar of Koofah, so may Allaah curse the Rawafidah, how ignorant they are!!

Az-Zuhree said: Abu Bakr requested in his will that he be washed by his wife ‘Asmaa bint Umays and if she cannot then she should take the help of his son AbdurRahmaan.

He was buried next to the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and his head was placed near to the shoulders of the Messenger-sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-.

[Taken from Siyaar ‘Alaam an-Nubalaa (by Ibn Hajar) and Thahdheeb at thahdheeb (by adh-Dhahabee), Compiled & Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya]

He was Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyainah ibn Maymoon, Aboo Muhammad, al-Hilaalee, al-Koofee, the great scholar, the memoriser, the Shaikh of Islaam, the muhaddith of the haram, wide in his knowledge, great in his standing, the mawlaa of Muhammad ibn Muzaahim, brother of ad-Dahhaak ibn Muzaahim.

He was from the third generation of Muslims, and began seeking knowledge as a boy hearing older Taabi’een (i.e., students of the Companions) and he conveyed a great deal of knowledge from them, he heard from seventy of the Taabi’een. He was born in the year 107H.

He heard from: ‘Amr ibn Deenar, az-Zuhree, Ziyaad ibn ‘Illaaqah, Aboo Ishaaq, al-Aswad ibn Qays, Zayd ibn Aslam, ‘Abdullaah ibn Deenaar, Mansoor ibn al-Mu’tamir, ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn al-Qaasim and a great number of people besides them.

Those who narrated from him: Al-A’mash, Ibn Juraij, Shu’bah, – and others from his shaikhs, Ibn al-Mubaarak, Ibn Mahdee, ash-Shaafi’ee, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Yahyaa ibn Ma’een, Ishaq ibn Raahawaih, Ahmad ibn Saalih, Ibn Numayr, Aboo Khaythamah, al-Fallaas, az-Za’faraanee, Yoonus ibn ‘Abdul-A’laa, Sa’d ibn Nasr, ‘Alee ibn Harb, Muhammad ibn ‘Eesaa ibn Hibbaan al-Madaa’inee, Zakariyyaa ibn Yahyaa al-Marwazee, Ahmad ibn Sinaan ar-Ramlee – and too many to count, since people used to make Hajj and their goal was to meet Ibn ‘Uyainah, so they would crowd around him in the days of Hajj.

Ash-Shaafi’ee said,

“If it were not for Maalik and Sufyaan the knowledge in the Hijaz wouls have passed away.”

He also said,

“I found all the hadeeth of rulings with Maalik, except for thirty ahaadeeth, and I found all of them with Ibn ‘Uyainah except for six hadeeth.”

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee also said,

“I have not seen anyone as readily equipped for knowledge as Sufyaan, and I have not seen anyone who withheld more than him from giving religious verdicts, and I have not seen anyone who better explained the ahaadeeth than him.”

Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said,

“I did not see anyone who knew the Sunnah better than him.”

He also said,

“Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyainah entered upon Ma’an ibn Zaa’idah, the ameer of Yemen, and Sufyaan was not tainted with any anything from the affairs of the ruler, and admonished him.”

Ahmad ibn Ibraaheem ad-Dawraqee said, “Ahmad ibn Nasr said,

‘I used to ask Ibn ‘Uyainah and pester him, so he said, ‘Let me pause for breath.’ I said ‘How about the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah from the Prophet(sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), “Indeed Allaah will carry the heavens upon a Finger…” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree] and the hadeeth, “Indeed the hearts of the servants are between two Fingers of the Fingers of ar-Rahmaan…” [Reported by Muslim] and the hadeeth, “Indeed Allaah is Amazed, or Laughs, because of one who mentions him in the markets.”‘ So Sufyaan said, ‘They are just as they are, we affirm them and narrate them without asking how’”

Ibraaheem ibn Sa’eed al-Jawharee said,

“I heard Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyainah say, ‘Eemaan is saying and action, it increases and decreases.’”

THe Imaams are agreed upon accepting Ibn ‘Uyainah as a proof due to his memory and trustworthiness. He died in Jumaadul-Aakhirah in the year 198H at the age of 91 (rahimahullah ta’aala).

Taken from the book, Mountains of Knowledge, Salafi Publications. This biography was abridged, for a more detailed biography please refer to the book

[Source]

As-Sijzee (d.444H)

His Name and Lineage:

He is the Imaam, the ‘Allaamah, Aboo Nasr ‘Ubaydullaah Ibn Sa’eed Ibn Haatim al-Waayilee al-Bakree as-Sijzee. And ‘as-Sijzee’ is an affiliation to Sijjistaan, and it does not appear in its typical form. The typical form would be to say, ‘as-Sijjistaanee.’

His Famous Teachers:

[1] Aboo ‘Abdullaah al-Haakim an-Naysaabooree (d.405H)
[2] Aboo Ahmad al-Fardee ‘Ubaydullaah al-Muqree, their mawlaa, al-Habaal al-Misree
[3] Abul-Hasan al-Mujbir Musnad Baghdaad

His Famous Students:

[1] The Haafidh, the precise muhaddith, Aboo Ishaaq Ibraaheem Ibn Sa’eed an-Nu’maanee
[2] al-Haafidh Abul-Fadl Ja’far Ibn Yahyaa at-Tameemee, commonly known as Ibn Hakaak
[3] al-Haafidh ‘Abdul-’Azeez Ibn Muhammad an-Nakhshabee

His Writings:

[1] al-Ibaanah fir-Radd ‘alaz-Zaa’igheen fee Mas’alatil-Qur’aan, and it is missing.
[2] His letter to the people of Zubayd in refutation of those who deny al-Harf and as-Sawt
[3] Riwaayatul-Abnaa’ anil-Aabaa’

His Death:

He died in Makkah, in the yeat 444H according to the correct point of view.

The Scholars’ Praise For Him:

Stated his student, an-Nakhshabee,

“The Scholar, the Haafidh, the precise Shaykh, the reliable and trustworthy narrator from Ahlus-Sunnah.”

And ad-Dhahabee (d.784H) stated,

“The Imaam, the Scholar, the skilled Haafidh, a Shaykh of the Sunnah, Aboo Nasr ‘Ubaydullaah Ibn Sa’eed…Shaykh of the Haram, author of al-Ibaantul-Kubraa concerning the fact that the Qur’aan is not created. And it is a large volume proving the man’s knowledge about the science of athar. [Refer to as-Siyar (17/654)]

This biography has been adapted from the introduction to the checking of the book by Dr. Baa Kareem. So whoever desires more information, then let him back to it.

[Taken from the article, Selected Benefits and Principles of Salafiyyah from the Letter of Imaam as-Sijzee, prepared by Shaykh Khaalid Ibn Dahwee adh-Dhufayree, www.sunnahpublishing.net]

He is: Abu Ibraaheem, Ismaa’eel bin Yahyaa, bin Ismaa’eel bin Amr bin Muslim al-Muzanee al-Misree

He is the most prominent student of Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee. His other Shaykhs are Nu’aym bin Hammaad, Alee bin Ma’bad bin Shaddaad al-Basree, and Asbagh bin Naafi’. The small number of his Shaykhs is explained by the fact that he kept very close attachment to his Shaykh, ash-Shaafi’ee, and he did not travel a great deal to the various lands of Islaam, but sufficed himself with the Shaykhs of Egypt (Misr).

Abu Ishaaq ash-Sheeraazee said (as-Siyar of adh-Dhahabi 12/493):

“I saw al-Muzanee and I have not seen anyone of greater worship of Allaah than him, and nor more precise in fiqh than him.”

Adh-Dhahabi said (as-Siyar 12/492):

“The Imaam, the Allaamah, the jurist of the Ummah, the signpost of the ascetics.”

And al-Bayhaqi mentions the saying of ash-Shaafi’ee (Manaaqib ash-Shaafi’ee 2/356):

“If this one – pointing at al-Muzanee – debated with the Shaytaan, he would have cut him off (in argument)”

His students include:

• Abu Bakr bin Khuzaimah (d. 311H),
• Abu Ja’far at-Tahawi (d. 321),
• Zakariyyaa bin Yahyaa as-Saajee (d. 307H),
• Abul-Hasan bin Jawsaa (d. 320H),
• Abu Muhammad bin Abdur-Rahmaan bin Abee Haatim ar-Raazee (d. 327)

He was born in 175H, the year in which al-Layth bin Sa’d died, and he died in 264H.

Taken from http://www.aqidah.com

[Source]

He is: al-Haafidh Abu Bakr Abdullaah bin Zubayr bin Eesaa al-Qurashee al-Humaidee al-Makkee.

A group from the greatest of Imaams of Islaam and the Sunnah narrated from him, from the head of them Muhammad bin Ismaa’eel al-Bukhaaree (d. 256H). Likewise, Imaam Muslim in the Muqaddimah to his Saheeh, and likewise Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhee, likewise az-Zuhree, Abu Zur’ah ar-Raazee, and Abu Haatim ar-Raazee have all narrated from him.

He has been praised by the scholars greatly, Imaam Ahmad said,

“al-Humaidee, in our view, is an Imaam“.

Ishaaq bin Raahawaih said,

“The Scholars in our time are ash-Shaafi’ee, al-Humaidee and Abu Ubayd“.

And Imaam al-Bukhaaree said,

“Al-Humaidee is an Imaam in Hadeeth“.

And adh-Dhahabee said,

“He was from most senior of the Imaams of the religion, and he is a haafidh, vast in memorization, of abundant transmission.”

(See: Sharh Usool is-Sunnah lil-Haafidh al-Humaydee, of Shaykh Abdullaah al-Bukhaaree).

He died in the year 220H.

Taken from http://www.aqidah.com

The full name of Imam Muslim is Abul-Hussain `Asakiruddin Muslim bin Hajjaj AlQushairi An-Naisaburi. He belonged to the Qushair tribe of the Arab clan Rabi’ah. He was born in 202 or 206 H (819 or 821 CE) in Nishapur, a town of Iran. His parents were religious people and so he was brought up in a pious environment. Because of this he spent all of his life as a pious and righteous person. A distinguishing attribute of his excellent character is that he never indulged in backbiting, which is a common human shortcoming.

Imam Muslim travelled far and wide to collect the Ahadith (traditions) in the countries of Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Syria, and benefited from the prominent Hadith scholars of that time by attending the lectures and classes of those learned persons. His teachers included Ishaq bin Rawaih, Ahmad bin Hanbal, Ubaidullah Al-Qawariri, Qutaibah bin Said, Abdullah bin Maslamah, Harmalah bin Yahya and others.

Afterwards he settled down at Nishapur, where he came into contact with Imam Bukhari. Seeing the vast knowledge and deep insight of him in the Ahadith of the Prophet , Imam Muslim remained attached with him until the end of his life. He also attended the lectures of another scholar of Hadith, Muhammad bin Yahya AdhDhuhli, but when the difference of opinion arose between Imam Bukhari and Muhammad bin Yahya on the issue of the creation of the Noble Qur’an, Imam Muslim favored Imam Bukhari and left the company of Muhammad bin Yahya.

Imam Muslim compiled many books and treatises on Hadith, the most important of his works is the compilation of the Hadith collection Al-Jami `As-Sahih, which is famous by the name of Sahih Muslim. Some scholars of Hadith opine that in some respects it is the best and most authentic collection of Ahadith. Imam Muslim laboriously collected 3,00,000 Ahadith, but after a critical study, he selected only 4,000 Ahadith for this collection. Other contributions of Imam Muslim on the subject of Hadith are: Al-Kitab Al-Musnad Al-Kabir Alar-Rijkl, Al-Jami’Al-Kabir, Kitab-ul-Asma’ wal-Kuna, Kitab-ul’Ilal, Kitab-ul-Wahdan, etc.

Many students learned the Science of Hadith from Imam Muslim. Those who became famous and occupied a prominent position are: Abu Hatim Razi, Musa bin Harun, Ahmad bin Salamah, Abu `Isa Tirmidhi, Abu Bakr bin Khuzaimah, Abu `Awanah and Hafiz Dhahbi.

Imam Muslim died at the age of fifty-seven years in 261 H (875 CE) and was buried in the suburbs of Nishapur.

Posted from: http://www.dar-us-salam.com/authors/imam_muslim.htm

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Shaykh ‘Umar ibn Muhammad ibn Muhammad Bakar al-Fallaatah

He was the Faqeeh (the scholar of jurisprudence) , the Muhaddith (the scholar of Hadeeth), the Mufassir (the explainer of the Quraan) , the Noble Shaykh ‘Umar ibn Muhammad ibn Muhammad Bakar al-Fallaanee, popularly known as Fallaatah. And al-Fallaanee refers to the tribe of al-Fallaanah, which is well-known and widespread in most of Western Africa. And according to some historians, his lineage goes right back to ‘Uqbah ibn Naafi’ or Ibn ‘Aamir or Ibn Yaasir, however, it is most probably another ‘Uqbah and not the great companion of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) who conquered Africa.

His Birth

He was born in 1345 A.H. (1925 C.E) near Makkah, during his parents hijrah from Africa which took them approximately a year. Regarding this, the Shaykh mentions: “Allaah willed for them to begin their journey and they were two, and when they completed their journey they/(we) were three”.

His Education

In 1346 A.H. they moved to al-Madeenah an-Nabawiyyah, where he grew up and began his education with what were known in those days as al-Kuttaab, by the name of Muhammad Saalim, under whom he memorised the first few chapters of the Noble Qur.aan.

Later, he entered the Daar al-’Uloom ash-Shar’iyyah in Madeenah and studied there until he was approximately 7 years old. There, he graduated from his primary education and completed the memorisation of the Qur.aan.

His Work

In 1365 A.H. (1945 C.E.) he taught at the Daar al-Hadeeth.

In addition to this, he taught the the Daar as-Sa’oodiyyah in 1373 A.H. (1953 C.E.) as he was appointed an assistant to the principal.

In 1375 A.H. (1955 C.E.) he taught hadeeth and it’s fundamentals in al-Ma’had al-’Ilmee until 1378 A.H. (1958 C.E.)

In 1377 A.H. (1957 C.E.) the Daar al-Hadeeth was placed under his principalship.

In 1385 A.H. (1965 C.E.) he was appointed assistant secretary of the Islaamic University of Madeenah.

In 1395 A.H. (1975 C.E.) he was appointed general secretary of the Islaamic University of Madeenah.

In 1396 A.H. (1976 C.E.) he was appointed an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Hadeeth as well as maintaining his position as general secretary of the Islaamic University of Madeenah.

Later, he became the principal in charge of the Centre for Da’wah Affairs at the Islaamic University of Madeenah.

In 1406 A.H. (1986 C.E.) he was appointed principal in charge of the Centre for the study of the Sunnah and the Prophetic Seerah at the Islaamic University of Madeenah, which was actually setup by the Shaykh himself.

After he retired, he went back to the Daar al-Hadeeth.

His efforts at Daar al-Hadeeth

Daar al-Hadeeth was setup by one of the scholars from India by the name of Shaykh Ahmad ad-Dahlawee (rahima-hullaah) who was a scholar from amongst the Ahlul-Hadeeth, who opened up the Daar al-Hadeeth in 1350 A.H. (1930 C.E.) by permission of King ‘Abdul-’Azeez (rahima-hullaah).

A kind donor from India by the name of Shaykh Muhammad Rafee’ (rahima-hullaah) donated a building for the Daar al-Hadeeth which was near the al-Masjid an-Nabawee. It was named Maktabah Ahlul-Hadeeth and also Madrasah Daar al-Hadeeth.

While the Shaykh was teaching at the Daar al-Hadeeth in 1367 A.H. (1947 C.E.) he also attained a higher certificate.

He was close to his Shaykh, the great noble Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Ifreeqee, who took over principalship of the Daar al-hadeeth after Shaykh Ahmad ad-Dahlawee (rahima-hullaah) died in 1375 A.H. (1955 C.E.). And when Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Ifreeqee (rahima-hullaah) died in 1377 A.H. ( 1957 C.E.) Shaykh ‘Umar assumed principalship of the Daar al-hadeeth thereafter.

And when the project of the extension of al-Masjid an-Nabawee began, the Daar al-Hadeeth had to be knocked down to make way for the necessary extension, and appropriate compensation was paid to those responsible at the Daar al-Hadeeth. With this money, Shaykh ‘Umar strived hard to find an appropriate piece of land to buy and build the new Daar al-Hadeeth and the Maktabah. Finally he purchased a piece of land and in 1413A.H. (1993 C.E.) work began on building the new Daar al-Hadeeth and was completed in 1417 A.H. (1997 C.E.). The new Daar al-Hadeeth incorporated a school, a library (Maktabah Daar al-Hadeeth), a masjid, a department for hadeeth, a large lecture theatre which could hold a thousand students, housing accomodation for students, a business centre, housing accomodation for visitors and a car park.

When the building was finally finished, it was something of a sight, so much so that it won a prize for its design.

And the Shaykh was extremely attached to the Daar al-Hadeeth and held it very dear to him, and used to extend much assistance to it.

His Shuyookh

The Shaykh said: “I met more than seventy scholars at the masjid of the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and they were in truth inheritors of the Prophet”.

The Shaykh, the muhaddith Muhammad Ibraaheem al-Khatanee, who was a student of the muhaddith, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Abdul-Baaqee al-Ayyoobee al-Madanee. He studied under him at the Daar al-’Uloom ash-Shar’iyyah.

Shaykh ‘Ammaar al-Jazaa.iree, under whom he also studied at the Daar al-’Uloom ash-Shar’iyyah.

Shaykh Yoosuf ibn Sulaymaan al-Filisteenee, under whom he also studied at the Daar al-’Uloom ash-Shar’iyyah.

Shaykh Saalih az-Zughaybee.

Shaykh Muhammad ‘Alee al-Harakaan, who was previously the assistant secretary of the Muslim World League. He studied the majority of ((Saheeh al-Bukhaaree)) under him, along with it’s explanation, ((Fat.h al-Baaree)). And this was while he was teaching in al-Masjid an-Nabawee.

Shaykh As’ad Muhiy ad-Deenal-Husaynee, under whom he read the Noble Qur’aan, thereby further strengthening his memorisation.

Shaykh Muhammad Jaatoo al-Fallaanee, under whom he studied a number of texts of the Maalikee madhhab, and some their explanations. He also studied ad-Dimishqee’s explanation of ((Mukhtasir Khaleel)), along with some of ((Aqrab al-Masaalik)), and then completed the rest under Shaykh ‘Ammaar al-Jazaa.iree.

The Shaykh, the muhaddith Muhammad ibn Ahmad as-Soodaanee al-Madanee, under whom he studied some books of poetry and Arabic grammar and some aspects of Usool al-Fiqh.

The Shaykh, the muhaddith Muhammad al-Haafidth ibn Moosaa Humayd.

The Shaykh, the muhaddith ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Yoosuf al-Ifreeqee, who had a tremendous effect on his personality, such that there became a great similarity between them, as Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Abbaad mentioned in his lecture about Shaykh ‘Umar.

He studied ((Buloogh al-Maraam)) under Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan along with ((Subul as-Salaam)) and some major books of hadeeth such as ((al-Muwatta,)) of Imaam Maalik, and also in tafseer and the science of hadeeth, while also hearing him respond to the questions of the people seeking fataawa.

The Shaykh, the muhaddith Saalim ibn Ahmad Baajnidaan al-Hadramee, the renowned muhaddith from Indonesia

May Allaah have mercy upon all of the deceased amongst them.

His teaching in al-Masjid an-Nabawee

The Shaykh began teaching in al-Masjid an-Nabawee in 1370 A.H. (1950 C.E.), when he had attained a permit to teach from the Presidency of Judges of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Shaykh thereby taught for approximately 49 years in al-Masjid an-Nabawee, and his teaching place used to be very close to what is popularly known as “Riyaadh al-Jannah” (the Garden of Paradise) which is the area stretching from the Prophet’s house (current resting place) to his mimbar.

Many students of knowledge used to attend his lessons, as well as the visiting pilgrims. And many of his lessons were recorded and are available free of (recording/copying) costs from the recording library in al-Masjid an-Nabawee. As an example, his explanation of ((Saheeh Muslim)) stretches to 817 audio cassettes, and that is a complete recording of the Shaykh’s explanation. And his explanation of the ((Tafseer of Ibn Katheer)) stretches to 720 audio cassettes, but this is incomplete. And his explanation of ((Sunan Abee Daawood)) stretches to 576 audio cassettes, and this is also incomplete. In total, all his audio cassettes amount to approximately 2,253.

His Manners

The Shaykh was of excellent manners, and was very concerned about the benefitting and assisting the Muslims. He was extremely humble and noble to his guests as he would greet them with a cheerful face, enticing the guests to feel full of cheer as a result. He used to enjoy assisting the people, whether old or young, considering he was himself worthy of receiving assistance because of his position and knowledge and old age. So as a result of his impeccable manners, he was loved by those who knew him and those who did not.

And Shaykh al-Albaanee praised him much for his good neighbourly conduct and his impeccable good manners when he was a neighbour of Shaykh ‘Umar during the time he spent teaching at al-Jaami’ah al-Islaamiyyah (Islaamic University) in Madeenah.

And the Shaykh was extremely wise in his opinions and sharp-witted at the many issues which people brought to his attention, as those who spent time with him in his tent during Hajj and the different da’wah centres he would visit would well know.

In conclusion to all this, Dr. Marzooq az-Zahraanee, who was previously the principal of the Centre for Prophetic Studies mentioned: “The Shaykh was complete in his manners, complete in his uprightness, complete in his manhaj and complete in his taqwa…”.

And the Shaykh was blessed with impeccable manners as has been mentioned, even when he faced those who disliked him for his manhaj or manner, and he was able to affect them with his good manners in such a way that they would correct their ways and ahere to the true path and manhaj, which is based upon the Noble Qur.aan and the authentic Sunnah according to the understanding of the pious predecessors. And all this was whilst he was teaching in al-Masjid an-Nabawee.

His ‘Aqeedah and Manhaj

The Shaykh adhered steadfastly to the Noble Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah as understood by the pious predecessors and he invited to this path with wisdom and maturity. He also used to encourage others to understand the evidences, and used to detest the opposing manaahij.

His Hajj Journey

The Shaykh was blessed to have performed Hajj a great number of times, with his first ever Hajj being in 1365 A.H. (1945 C.E.), and from that time until 1418 A.H. (1998 C.E.) he performed Hajj every single year except once when he was ill. So he performed Hajj a total of 53 times, as he also performed ‘Umrah a great number of times too. May Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) accept from him, aameen.

His Travels

The Shaykh travelled to many countries for da’wah purposes, either with the Islaamic University or to setup Summer camps. From amongst the countries he visited were: Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, and many African countries.

The Scholars praise of him

Amongst the many scholars who praised him were:

Shaykh al-Albaanee, who praised him much for his good neighbourly conduct and his impeccable good manners and knowledge, such that when in 1395 A.H. (1975 C.E.) Shaykh al-Albaanee was asked as to who should be referred to when seeking fatwa, Shaykh al-Albaanee advised that Shaykh ‘Umar should be referred to for all fatwa-seeking questions.

Also, Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Abbaad described him as: “…a great man, a rightly-guided scholar, one who possessed noble manners and praiseworthy characteristics. And that he was upon the manhaj of the pious predecessors adhering to what was transmitted from Allaah and His Messenger (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam).”

And Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin mentioned that since he first met Shaykh ‘Umar way back in 1381 A.H. (1961 C.E.) love had entered into his heart for Shaykh ‘Umar.

His Death

The Shaykh had great desire to die in Madeenah, and Allaah permitted his wish to be met as he died in Madeenah on Wednesday 29 Muharram 1419 A.H. (17 March 1999 C.E.) after having received medical treatment and returning from Riyadh just a day before his death. The Shaykh was 74 years of age. His funeral prayer was performed after Salaatul-’Asr and he was then buried in the graveyard of Baqee’, near al-Masjid an-Nabawee. Many attended his funeral from amongst the scholars and the judges and lecturers and teachers from the universities along with many students, and pilgrims and those who simply loved him.

May Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) have Mercy upon his soul, aameen.

The Shaykh left behind him one wife, seven sons: Dr. Muhammad (a member of the teaching staff at the Islaamic University of Madeenah), ‘Abdur-Rahmaan (a member of the teaching staff at the Primary school within the Islaamic University), ‘Abdul-Haadee (a member of the teaching staff at the Arabic Language Institute within the Islaamic University), ‘Abdul-Kareem, ‘Abdur-Razzaaq and Anas, and two daughters.

The Shaykh bequeathed his entire library to Daar al-Hadeeth, and his bequest was carried out after his death.

Posted from: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/ksa_dawah/IROgBxPzdWI

Here is something that might help introduce this this great scholar of knowledge, a lecture delivered by, the Shaykh, the Muhaddith of Madeenah Abdul-Muhsin al-Abaad al-Badr (حفظه الله تعالى) on the biography of this great scholar of Sunnah, Shaykh ‘Umar Muhammad al-Falaatah (رحمه الله رحمة واسعة).  To download the audio file CLICK HERE (arabic)

His Name and Lineage:

He is Abu Bakr Muhammed ibn Muslim ibn Ubaydullah ibn Abdullah ibn Shihab ibn Abdullah ibn al-Harith ibn Zuhrah ibn Kilab ibn Murrah ibn Ka’b ibn Lu’ay ibn Ghalib al-Qurayshee az-Zuhuree al-Madanee.

His Birth:

He was born in the year 50 [AH] according to Duhaym, and according to Khalifah ibn Khayyat he was born in the year of 51 [AH].

His Appearance:

Sufyan said, “I saw az-Zuhuree with his hair flowing to his shoulders and his beard dyed in a fading red colour. It looked like as if he dyed it with katam. He was bleared-eyed. I was 17 years old when he came to visit us in the year 123 [AH] and he stayed until 124 [AH].

Malik was misled by az-Zuhuree’s dyed beard which made him think az-Zuhuree was a young man.

Layth ibn Sa’d said, “az-Zuhuree wore a garment dyed in red.”

His Teachers:

He narrated from Salh ibn Sa’d, Anas ibn Malik, Saaib ibn Yazeed, Abdullah ibn Tha’labah ibn Su’ayr, Muhmud ibn Rabee, Mahmud ibn Labid, Shabib Abu Jamilah, Sa’eed ibn Musayyab and many others.

Abu Hatim stated, “The most proficient of Anas ibn Malik’s students were az-Zuhuree, Qatadah and Thabit al-Bunanee, in that rank.”

az-Zuhuree related, “I sat with Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyab and I did not hear anything but the matters of the Hereafter. I sat with Ubaydullaah and I did not anymore with more rare narrations than him and I found Uwrah as an ocean of knowledge, who could not be disrupted by vessels.”

His Search for Seeking Knowledge:

Abu Zinaad said, “az-Zuhuree would write everything when he sought knowledge. I saw him with my eyes with slates which he used to write hadeeth on.”

Abu Zinaad said, “He used to carry with him wooden slates and paper on which we would write what he heard, and we used to laugh at him.”

Az-Zuhuree said, “My knees touched the knees of [I studied with] Ibn Musayyab for eight years.”

Az-Zuhuree said, “I moved inbetween Hijaz and Sham for forty-five years and I did not find a rare hadith neither did I find who narrate to me a rare hadith [which I didn’t know].”

His Manners in Seeking Knowledge:

Abdullah ibn Umar al-Umari mentioned that az-Zuhuree said, “I narrated a hadith to Alee ibn al-Husayn and when I completed doing so he said, “May Allaah bless you. That is how it was narrated to us.”

Malik said, “You did not use to write?” He answered, “No..” and did you not ask anything to be repeated? He answered, “No…”

Sa’d ibn Ibraheem said, “az-Zuhuree did not excel us in regards to knowledge except that he would ask anything he wanted and would not waste any effort.”

Az-Zuhuree said, “I have never asked a scholar to repeat what he said to me.”

Abu Zinaad said, “We used to follow az-Zuhuree when he would visit the scholars. He used to carry with him wooden slates and paper on which we would write what he heard.”

Malik said, “I read seventy ahadeeth to az-Zuhuree and I made an error in grammar in one of them, he said to me, “He shook his camel and angrily said, “People do not understand anymore.”

Az-Zuhuree used to seek knowledge from Urwah and other than him and when he would return home, he would wake one of his housemaids from sleep and tell her, “So and so narrated such and such..” She would asked, “What has that got anything to do with me!?” and he would replied, “I know it has nothing to do with you, however I just heard it and wished to revise it.”

Adh-Dhahee mentioned that az-Zuhuree disliked eating apples and used to drink honey he said that it helped his memory.

Az-Zuhuree used to say, “He would wishes to memorised ahadeeth should eat dried grapes.”

Praise for az-Zuhuree

Amr ibn Denaar said, “I have not seen anyone precise in their narration of hadeeth than az- Zuhuree.”

Sa’eed ibn Abdul Azeez said, “If knowledge comes to us from az-Zuhuree who is in Hijaz, we would accept it.”

Ahmed ibn Hanbal said, “az-Zuhuree is the best of people in regards to hadeeth and the most skilled in regards to their chain of narrations.”

Yahya ibn Sa’eed said, “No one from the people of knowledge had what ibn Shihab had.” Ayyoub said, “I have not met anymore more knowledge than az-Zuhuree.”

His Students:

Ata ibn Abee Rabah, Umar ibn Abdul Azeez, Ayyub as-Sakhtiyyani, Malik in Anas, Sufyan ibn Uyaynah, Ibn Jurayj, Ja’far ibn Barqan, Muslim, al-Bukharee and many others.

Yahya ibn Ma’een said, “The most reliable scholars with regards to narrating hadeeth from him were, Malik ibn Anas, Ma’mar, Yunus, Aqil, Shu’aib and Ibn Uyaynah.”

al-Awzaa’ee mentioned that az-Zuhuree gave him a script and said “Narrate its content with my permission.”

Some of the people of hadeeth did not relate knowledge from az-Zuhuree because of some things they saw him doing. Abu Ja’far ar-Raa’zee said, “I did not write any ahadeeth from az-Zuhuree because he used to dye his hair black.”

His Mannerisms:

Sa’eed ibn Abdul Azeez said, “We would go visit az-Zuhuree and he would host us with many types of foods.”

Adh-Dhahabee said, “az-Zuhuree was modest and highly respected in the government of Bannu Umayyah.”

His Death:

Ibn Sa’d, Khaleefah and az-Zubair said, “Ibn Shihab died on the 17th Ramadaan 124 [AH].”

Taken from Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa of Imam adh-Dhahabee.

Source: www.DuSunnah.com

al-‘Aqeedah al-Tahhaawiyyah is a book dealing with ‘aqeedah (basic tenets of faith) which was written by Imam al-Tahhaawi and named after him.

He is the imam, muhaddith and faqeeh Abu Ja’far Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Salaamah al-Tahhaawi – who is named after a village in Upper Egypt – he studied with many Shaykhs and learned from them and benefited from them, and he listed their number as three hundred Shaykhs.

He was praised by more than one of the scholars:

Ibn Yoonus said: al-Tahhaawi was trustworthy, sincere, a faqeeh and a man of wisdom, and after him there was no one else like him.

Al-Dhahabi said: the faqeeh, muhaddith, haafiz, one of the prominent scholars, and he was trustworthy, sincere, a faqeeh and a man of wisdom.

Ibn Katheer said: He was one of the trustworthy, sincere and a haafiz.

He wrote books which were well-written, comprehensive and of great value, among which was his great book Ma’aani al-Athaar, which contains research on fiqh accompanied by evidence and discussion of controversial matters, and pointing to  which view is more correct. His books also include Mushkil al-Athaar and others.

He died (may Allaah have mercy on him) in 321 AH and was buried in Egypt, in al-Quraafah.

See his biography in Siyar A’laam al-Nubala’ (15/33-37) and al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (11/174).