IMAM MAALIK IBN ANAS (ra)

maam-e Daarul Hijrah; Imaam of Madina Munawwarah was the appellation of lmam Maalik (RA.). As well as being a great muhaddith (Scholar of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ) and mujtahid, Imaam Maalik (RA) was also renowned for his pious, abstinent God fearing, and truthful ways.
A great number of scholars and muhadditheen have spoken and referred to Imaam Maalik’ S (RA) great knowledge and literary works. Amongst his various literary compilations ‘ kitaabul Mu’atta’ is the most eminent. 
Imaam Shaafi’ee (R.A.) has stated regarding ‘Kitaabul Mu’atta’: ‘On the face of the earth there is no kitaab more authentic than Mu’atta." It should be borne in mind that Imaam Shafi’ee (R. A.) passed away in the year 204 A.H. before the compilation of Sahih Bukhari. Today, it is a unanimously agreed opinion that Sahih Bukhari is ranked as No.1 in this field. 
He was born in the era of Taabi’een, Imaam Maalik (R.A.) acquired knowledge from many famous Taabi’een, jurists and muhadditheen. 
Due to Imaam Maalik’ s (R.A.) intelligence, efforts, zeal and determination, upon reaching the age of 17, he had acquired a vast amount of Islamic knowledge which was of great standard and it was at this very age, with the approval of his teachers and scholars that Imaam Maalik (R.A.) commenced teaching and conducting theories (Fataawaa). 
NAME & GENEOLOGY \LINEAGE:Maalik Ibn Anas Ibn Maalik Ibn Abi Aamir Ibn Umar lbnul Haarith Ibn Gaymaan Ibn Jushayl lbn Amr Ibnul Haarith Al - Asbahi.. 
RENOWNED ADDRESS \ OTHER NAMES:Abu Abdullah I Imaam Daarul Hijrah.
YEAR AND PLACE OF BIRTH: The most authentic recording is 93 A.H in a place within the state of ‘Jarf’ called ‘Zee Marwah’. 
SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: Imaam Maalik (RA.) was a Tabe’ Taabi’ee. hence, he acquired a great amount of knowledge from Taabi’ een. 
ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE: From infanthood Imaam Maalik (R. A.) was surrounded by the very gardens of Madinah Munawwarah. Imaam Maalik (RA) did not set foot outside Madinah Munawwarah for purposes of acquiring knowledge. His own household was a resort of knowledge. 
Imaam Maalik (R. A.) acquired Qur’anic teachings from Naafe’ and Abdur Rahmaan Other than Naafe’, Imaam Maalik (RA) sought knowledge from others too. Namely, Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Hurmuz, Safwaan Ibn Sulaym, Ibn Shihaab Zuhri etc. 
A SMALL GLIMPSE OF IMAAM MAALIK’S (R.A.) TEACHERS:
Rabee’atur Raa’ i, Naafe’ Maulaa Ibn Umar, Muhammad Ibn Muslim Ibn Shihaab Zuhri, Aamir Ibn Abdullah Ibn Zubayr, Zayd Ibn Aslam, Saeed Maq’baree, Abu Haazim, Salma Ibn Deenar, Shareek Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abu Numayr, Saalih Ibn Qay’ saan, Abuz-zinaad, Muhammad Ibn Munkadir (May Allah be pleased with them all). 
A SMALL GLIMPSE OF IMAAM MAALIK’S STUDENTS:
Within Imaam Maalik's (RA.) teaching groups, the number of students is great. Qaazi Ayaadh (R.A.) has recorded over 1300, amongst this group were Imaam Maalik’s (R A.) own teachers, scholars, peers and subordinates - Namely a few are Ibn Shihaab Zuhri, Yahyaa Ibn Saeed Al-Qaari, Yazeed Ibn Abdullah, Sufyaan Thawri, Awzaa’i, Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah, Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Mahdi, Abdullah lbn Mubarak, Imaam Shaafi’ee, Ibn Qaasim, Abu Aasim etc. etc. (May Allah be pleased with them all).
IMAAM MAALIK’ S (R.A.) LITERARY WORKS:
Qaazi Ayaadh has given the following list : 
1. Kitaabul Mu’atta. 
2. Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Ibn Wahab Fil Qadr. 
3 Al-Mudawwanatul Kubraa 
4. Risaalatu Maalik Fil Aq’dhiyah. 
5. Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Gassaan Ibn Muhammad Ibn Mutarrif Fil Fatwaa. 
6 . Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Haaroonir Rasheed Al’ Mash’ hooratu Fil Aadaabi Wal 
Mawaa’ iz 
7. Tafseeru Ghareebil Qur’ aan 
8 Kitaabus Sirr 
9. Risaalatu Maalik Ilaa Layth Fi Ijmaa’i Ahlil Madinah. 
IMAAM MAALIK’S CHARACTERISTICS:
-Imaam Maalik ( R. A.) was very cautious in procuring fatawaa.
-Imaam Maalik (R. A.) was very active within the conduct of Sunnah
-Imaam Maalik (R. A.) loathed innovations (bidaah).
-Matters of belief( aqaaid ) were very religiously followed by way of Qur’an and sunnah.
- Although during Imaam Maalik’ s ( R. A.) era there were many sects that arose, yet Imaam Maalik (RA.) refrained from enjoining with these.
- When the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was mentioned, the colour of Imaam Maalik’ s (R.A.) face would change.
- Imaam Maalik (RA.) never recited a hadith without ablution.
- Caliph Harun Rashid requested that Imaam Maalik’s kitaab, Mu’atta, should be displayed in the Kaaba, and that all Muslims be imposed to follow Imaam Maalik within all jurisprudential matters. Imaam Maalik (R.A.) refused saying " Refrain from this as the Companions of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam themselves held opposing views within subsidiary masaail. The common folk already follow these differing views. All are upon the righteous path."
IMAAM MAALIK’ S METHOD OF TEACHING:
Imaam Maalik (RA) would appoint his specific writer; Habeeb, to recite Ahaadeeth from Mu’atta (a prestigious hadith kitaab compiled by Imaam Maalik (RA) ). The other students and participants would silently listen attentively, due to the fear and respect of lmam Maalik (R.A). No student would look into his kitaab or ask any questions. If Habeeb would make an error within the recital, Imaam Maalik (R. A) would promptly rectify the error. If the door was crowded with students lmam Maalik (R. A) would call them inside. Occasionally, Imaam Maalik (RA) would read himself from Mua’tta. Yahya Ibn Bukayr has stated: ‘I have heard the kitaab Muatta recited directly by Imaam Maalik (RA) a number of 14 times.," 
Imaam Maalik’s (R.A) daughter Fatima had memorised the kitaab Mu’atta; during lessons she would stand behind the door, if the recitor made an error, she would tap her nails on the door. Imaam Maalik (R. A) would understand her action and rectify the error. 
Imaam Maalik’ s (RA) son Yahyaa later grew to become a great man of knowledge. He also journeyed to Egypt and conducted lessons of Ahaadeeth. 
IMAAM MAALIK’S (R.A.) CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN:
Ibn Hazm (R.A) has written : ‘Imaam Maalik (RA) had two boys; Yahyaa and Muhammed. One grandson Ahmed Ibne Yahyaa Ibne Malik.’ 
Imaam Malik (R.A) also had a daughter named Fatima. 
IMAAM MAALIK’ S FATEFUL DEATH:During the last few years of his life, Imaam Maalik (RA) preferred to remain alone. He never even used to attend the Jamaa’ at Friday prayer and used to say that not everyone can openly explain themselves. 
According to another statement, Imaam Maalik (RA) imparted that he had a weak bladder. In this condition he found it to be disrespectful to visit Masjid-e-Nabawi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). He further stated that he did not wish to voice his illness as it would be likened to complaining upon that which Allah had procured him with. Hence, Imaam Maalik (RA) remained ill for a number of 22 days. On Monday 14th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 179 A H., Imaam Maalik (R.A) took leave from this world. 
(To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return).
Ibn Kanaanaa and Ibn Zubyr performed Ghusl. Imaam Maalik’s son; Yahyaa and his student (calligrapher) Habeeb poured the water, and as Imaam Maalik (R.A) had willed, he was shrouded in a white cloth. Ameere Madeenah Abdul Azeez Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem led the Janazah prayer. Before his death, Imaam Maalik (R.A) recited Tashah’hud (verification of the oneness of Allah) and then said: 
‘With Allah is the command in the past and in the future’ .(Surah Ar Rum : part verse 4) Imaam Maalik (R.A) was buried in Jannatul Baqee’ in Madinah Munawwarah. 

Imam e Azam Abu Hanifa

Imaam of Imaams; Lamp of the Ummah; Leader of the Jurists and Mujtahideen; Hafize-Hadith Hadhrat Imaam Abu Hanifah (R.A) was a prestigious Mujtahid, Muhaddith, authoritative person, truthfully spoken, abstinent, wise, and pious.

A great many Muhadditheen and Hanafi, Shafi’ee, Maaliki and Hanbali Ulamaa are in unison with regards to Imaam Sahib’s strengths and virtues. Thousands of literary works have been compiled by Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.). Amongst the Imaams ‘Imaam-e-Aazam’ (Greatest of the Imaams ) was the address of Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA.) alone. A great group of Ulamaa and Muhadditheen remained the followers of Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA.), and more than half of the Ummah ofProphet Muhammed Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam are, till this day, followers also. 

 He was born in the era of the Companions . Abstinent, God fearing, generous, knowledgeable and virtuous are all attributes collectively found of Imaam Abu Hanifah (R.A.). 

 His origination is in Kufa, which at the time, was the greatest centre of ahaadith. As, in Kufa thousands of Companions  of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had resided there; more than one thousand jurists were born in Kufa of which one hundred and fifty were Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Kufa, was where the ranked Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud  and Hadhrat Abu Huraira had previously resided. 

Imaam Sahib’s upbringing and education was achieved in such a reputed educational centre, and he reaped much advantage from the Ulamaa of Haramain. 

LINEAGE :Nu’maan ibn Thabit Ibn Zuta Ibn Maah\ lbn Marzubaan. (Difference of opinion lies only in choice of wording not name.) 

YEAR & PLACE of BIRTH:80 A.H. Kufa, Iraq. 

RENOWNED ADDRESS : Imaam-e-Aazam \ Abu Hanifah (R. A.). 

SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: It has been unanimously agreed that Imaam Abu Hanifah (RA.) was a Taabi‘ee. There are various differing quotes concerning the number of Companions seen by Imaam Sahib. Sahib-e-Ikmaal narrates a total of 26, whilst Hafiz Ibn Hajr quotes 8. The most opposed view is that of Hafiz Almizzi whom has stated 72 Companions (R. A.). 

ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE:Primary, basic Islamic teachings were acquired as a child, which were short lived due to Imaam Abu Hanifah’ s father’s death. Subsequently, he supported the family business. 

MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD: Silk Merchant. 

ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE: At the age of 22 years much spare time was spent in debating. In this period of time Imaam Sha’bee (R. A.) advised Imaam Abu Hanifah ( R.A.) to associate himself with a scholar. 

Being unable to answer a query regarding the correct Sunnah procedure of divorce, Imaam Abu Hanifah began to join the gatherings of lmam Hammad (R. A), (student of Hadhrat Anas (RA.) ), disposing of his works as a debator. For the next ten consecutive years he remained the student of Imaam Hammad (R.A.). After two years, for a period of two months Imaam Hammad took a sudden leave to Basra ( due to his relative’s death) leaving Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.) to continue his works in Kufa. Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.) remained Imaam Hammad’s student for a further 8 years. 

MOST EMINENT TEACHER OF JURISPRUDENCE:

Imaam Hammad (R A)

MOST EMINENT TEACHER OF AHAADEETH:

Imaam Aamir Sha’bi (R. A.). 

NO. 0F AHAADEETH ACQUIRED:

4,000 Ahaadeeth in which 2,000 Ahaadeeth from Imaam Hammad ( RA.)alone. 

3 PROMINENT PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH IMAAM ABU HANIFAH ACCEPTED AHAADEETH:

1).Since the initial day of hearing the hadith it is remembered in its correct form to the very time of narration. 

2). The hadith must have been projected by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and narrated onwards via wholly reliable persons. 

3). Any Ahaadeeth which contradicted the Qur’an or other famous Ahaadeeth were unacceptable. 

A SMALL GLIMPSE OF IMAAM ABU HANIFA’S (R.A.) TEACHERS: Aamir Ibn Shurahbeel, Sha’abi Kufi, Alqama Ibn Marthad, Ziyaad Ibn Ilaqa, Adi Ibn Thabit, Qataada Basri, Muhammed Ibn Munkadir Madni, Simaak Ibn Harb, Qays Ibn Muslim Kufi, Mansoor Ibn Umar etc. etc. 

A SMALL GLIMPSE OF IMAAM ABU HANIFA’S (R.A.) STUDENTS: Qazi Abu Yusuf, Muhammad Ibn Hasan, Zufar Ibn Huzayl, Hammad Ibn Abu Hanifah, Abu Ismat Mugheera Ibn Miqsam,Yunus Ibn Is‘haaq, Abu Bakr Ibn Ayyaash, Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, Ali Ibn Aasim, Ja’ far Ibn Awn, Ubaydullah Ibn Musa etc. etc. 

IMAAM ABU HANIFAH’S (R.A.) LITERARY WORKS: ‘Kitaab-ul-Aathar’ - compiled from a total of 70,000 Ahaadeeth, ‘Aalim-wal-muta ‘allim’, ‘Fiqhe Akbar’, ‘Jaami’ul Masaneed’, ‘Kitaabul Rad alal Qaadiriyah’ etc. etc. 

IMAAM ABU HANIFAH’S CHARACTERISTICS:

a). Impartiality: Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.) has never accepted a favour from anyone and so was never indebted to anyone. 

b). Humanitarian ways& generosity: On seeing Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.) a passer by avoided him and took a different path. When Imaam Abu Hanifah (R.A.) questioned as to why he did so, he replied that he was ashamed of himself as he was Imaam Abu Hanifah’s debtor of 10 000 Dirhams. The man’s humbleness over took Imaam Abu Hanifah (R.A.) and so he forgave the repayment of the debt. 

c). Kind heartedness: Once, whilst sitting in a Masjid Imaam Sahib learnt of someone who had fallen from a roof. Immediately, Imaam Sahib departed from the gathering, barefooted, and ran to the place of accident. Until the injured recovered, Imaam Sahib paid daily visits to nurse him. 

d). Disposition : Imaam Sahib would never speak unless it was necessary to do so. Someone mentioned before Sufyan Thawri (R.A.) that he had never heard Imaam Sahib back biting. Sufyan (R.A.) replied, "Abu Hanifah (R.A.) is not such a fool that he will destroy his own good deeds." 

e). Abstinence & God Fearing Ways:

i). Sharik has stated, "I have never once observed Imaam Abu Hanifah reposing within the nights hours." 

ii). Abu Nu’aym states, "Even before observing salaah Imaam Hanifah (R. A.) would weep and supplicate before Allah." 

iii). There is no such Surah within the Qur’an which I have not recited during Nafl prayers." - Abu Hanifah (R. A.) 

iv). Kharija lbn Mus’ab has stated that 4 religious leaders have completed the recitation of the entire Qur’an in one rakaah of salaah alone. Uthmaan Ibn Affaan (RA.), Tameen Daari (RA.), Sa’eed Ibn Jubair (R. A.) and Imaam Abu Hanifah (R. A.). 

v). There was once acknowledgment of a stolen sheep. Imaam Abu Hanifah inquired and researched as to how long a sheep lives. After finding out, he never ate sheep for 7 years, fearing that the meat may be from the stolen sheep. 

vi). For 40 consecutive years Imaam Sahib observed a nocturnal practice of performing Fajr salaah with the ablution of Esha. 

NO. 0F QUR’AN’S COMPLETED IN RAMADHAAN : 60

NO. OF PILGRIMAGES OBSERVED IN LIFETIME : 55

TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS:

Trial No.1: During the reign of Ibn Hubaira Imaam Abu Hanifah ( R.A.) rejected his request of the post of Chief Justice. (As Imaam Sahib did not want to collaborate with the corrupt). 

Consequence of Rejection : Tormented by passing through the city mounted upon a horse, whereby he was whipped 10 times a day for eleven consecutive days. 

 Trial No.2: During the reign of Abu Jaafar Mansoor again the above request was pledged, yet again rejected. 

Consequence of Rejection No.2: Imprisoned and violently beaten. 

Prolongation of Trial: Khalifa Abu Ja’far Mansoor again urged that Imaam Sahib should reconsider. Finally, Imaam Sahib swore by Allah that he would not accept. 

Consequence: Imaam Sahib was lashed, shirtless 30 times, drawing blood that seeped to his heels. He was again imprisoned, with restricted rations for 15 days, after which he was forcefully made to drink a poison that led to his martyrdom. 

STATE OF DEATH:In the state of prostration. 

AGE & DATE OF DEATH: 70 years of age : 150 A.H. in the month of Rajab. (others have stated Sha’baan and Shawwaal also). 

BURIAL: Six Janaazah salaah were conducted in order to cater for more than 

50,000 people whom had collected. His son, and only child; Hammad, lead the last Janazah salaah. 

The Rights of Children on Parents in Islam

{And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."} (Al-Furqan 25:74) 

Children are one of the joys of life that we ask Allah to grant us:

{Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world } (Al-Kahf 18:46)

Children are the delight of our hearts in their childhood, our companions and comfort in our old age, and the only source of du`aa' in our graves; all in all, they are the means by which we earn the fruits of this life and the reward of the hereafter.

Muslims have responsibilities towards their children, and they stand accountable for these responsibilities so that they can truly enjoy and appreciate the blessings of having children and get rewarded by the Giver.

The adult of today was the child of yesterday, and the child of today is the adult of tomorrow. In order for children to fulfill their responsibilities towards their parents, they must first get their rights from them.

Muslim parents should teach their children all about Islam and show them how to worship Allah, with no compulsion or force.

They should also guide them to the stairways to Paradise, and protect them from falling into Hellfire. It is the responsibility of parents to provide their children with the environment and tools to learn all about Islam.

Allah says in the Qur'an what means:

{O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones.} (At-Tahrim 66:6)

Before the Child's Birth

Islam is the most just way of life, in which the rights of each soul are granted. When a man chooses his wife, it is top priority for him to choose one bearing the characteristics of a good mother.

Prophet Muhammad said, "Best of women who rode camels, among women of Quraish, are the most tender on a son in his childhood, and best caring for the husband when he grows old" (Al-Bukhari).

The pregnant or nursing mother should take care of her health and her nutrition so that she can pass good health to her child. She has been given the license to break the obligatory fast of Ramadan if the fasting may cause her or the baby any harm.

Showing Love Towards Children

Upon their birth, children have all of their rights automatically in effect: feeding, clothing, health care, even the celebration of birth (`aqeeqah), Allah says in the Qur'an what means:

[Mothers should feed their children for two whole years (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling term, the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms is upon the father of the child.] (Al-Baqarah 2:233)

Also, the Prophet advised us to give each child a name with a good meaning.

Motherhood and fatherhood are instincts that Allah has blessed us with, and the love for our children is built into our hearts even before they are born. Prophet Muhammad instructed us to show our love to our children:

He is not one of us who does not have mercy for children and respect for our seniors. (At-Tirmidhi)

It is reported that Al-Aqra' ibn Habis saw Allah's Messenger kissing his grandchild and said to the Prophet, "I have ten children, but I have never kissed any one of them." The Prophet said, "He who does not show mercy (towards his children), no mercy would be shown to him" (Al-Bukhari).

Also, a Bedouin man asked the Prophet, "Do you kiss your sons?" The Prophet replied, "Yes." The Bedouin said, "We do not." The Prophet said to him, "What can I do for you if Allah has removed mercy from your heart?" (Al-Bukhari).

The Right to a Respectable Life

Islamic Law has given children the right to a good life and ordered the father to guarantee them the resources that can make them live well.

Prophet Muhammad said, "The best penny a man spends is that on his children, on his camel for the sake of Allah, and on his friends for the sake of Allah."

Even in cases of divorce, fathers are asked to be fully responsible for their children regarding food, clothing, schooling, and health expenses according to the father's standard of life.

[Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.} (At-Talaq 65:7)

 

The Qur'an also states that children have the right to inherit from the day of their birth.

Equality and Justice Between children

Muslims who fear Allah in their heart and are keen to earn His satisfaction should treat their children equally.

 

Justice, in particular social justice, is a major theme in Islam, which was revealed in a time when justice was lacking. Islam's teachings and rulings restored social justice in the tribal societies at the time.

Muslims who fear Allah in their heart and are keen to earn His satisfaction should treat their children equally, not favoring one over the others, in spending, treatment, and giving gifts to them.

Children are a blessing from Allah and to thank Allah for such a blessing, parents should fulfill the duties Allah prescribed on them towards their children.