By Brother Abu’z Zubair

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Life & Madhhab

Al-Imam Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Hanbal al-Shaibani, Abu ‘Abdullah,

was conceived in Merv in current day Turkmenistan. His mother carried
him in her womb, on route to Baghdad, where he was born in the year
164 AH. His father passed away when he was little more than years old,
and thereafter he was raised by his mother.

Childhood
He was a distinguished child known for his piety, cleanliness and
asceticism. Once, his uncle sent him with several documents containing
information about some people to the Caliph's office. Ahmad took
those papers and did not see his uncle for a long time. When his uncle
eventually met him, he asked him about the documents and discovered
that Ahmad – who was then a boy – did not deliver them. When asked
why, Ahmad replied: "I wouldn’t hand in those reports, and I have
thrown them in the sea!" To this, his uncle replied: "This little boy fears
Allah so much! What then of us?" Thus, Ahmad refused to act as an
informant, even on behalf of his uncle, due to the fear of Allah that had
been instilled in his heart from such a young age.

Youth and Education

He started his career by learning jurisprudence (Fiqh) under the
celebrated Hanafi judge, Abu Yusuf, the renowned student and
companion of Imam Abu Hanifah. He then discontinued his studies
with Abu Yusuf, in the pursuit of Hadith, travelling around the Islamic
Khilafa, at the tender age of 16. As a student, he was held in awe by his
teachers, to the same degree that they would respect their own.. Ibn al-
Jawzi states that Imam Ahmad had 414 Hadith masters whom he
narrated from. Imam al-Shafi’i was from the most beloved of Ahmad’s
teachers, held in high esteem by him for his deep insight into
jurisprudence. Al-Shafi’i equally admired Ahmad, for his expertise in
jurisprudence and Hadith. He would often say to Imam Ahmad: “Tell us
if you know of an authentic Hadeeth so that we may act on it.” What
demonstrates Imam Ahmad’s love and admiration for al-Shafi’i is that
when the latter would pass by him riding a mule, Imam Ahmad would
follow al-Shafi’i on foot to enquire about various issues of jurisprudence.

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The great affectopm and regard between the two Imams is clearly
reflected in the resemblance between the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools of
jurisprudence.

Imam Ahmad did not suffice himself with seeking knowledge, but he
also adorned it with actions, by making Jihad, performing the guard duty
at Islamic frontiers (Ribat) and making Hajj five times in his life, twice
on foot.

Expertise in Various Sciences

The Imam spent 40 years of his life in the pursuit of knowledge, and
only thereafter did he assume the position of a Mufti. By this time,
Imam Ahmad had become a leading authority in six or seven Islamic
disciplines, according to al-Shafi'i.

Imam Ahmad became – unquestionably – a leading authority in Hadith,

and left a colossal Hadith encyclopaedia, al-Musnad, as a living proof of
his proficiency and devotion to this science. He is also remembered as a
leading and the most balanced critic of Hadith (Naqid) of his time.

Imam Ahmad became a principal specialist in jurisprudence, since he

had the advantage of benefiting from some of the famous early jurists
and their heritage, such as Abu Hanifah, Malik, al-Shafi'i and many
others. Imam Ahmad further improvised and developed upon previous
schools, such that he became the founder of a new independent school,
that was to be attributed to him as the Hanbali school. Some scholars,
such as Qutaiba b. Sa’id noted that if Ahmad were to witness the age of
Sufyan al-Thawri, Malik, al-Awza’i and Laith b. Sa’d, he would have
surpassed them all.

Imam Ahmad, despite being bilingual, became an expert in the Arabic

language, poetry, grammar. He gave great importance to the Arabic
language, the proper application of grammar and correct pronunciation,
such that he would often discipline his daughter for making a
grammatical error in her everyday speech.

Imam Ahmad established himself as the Imam in the sciences of Quran,

authoring works in exegesis (Tafsir), science of abrogation (al-Nasikh wal-

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Mansukh), as well as the different modes recitations (Qira’at), preferring

some modes of recitation over others, and even expressing dislike for
the recitation of Hamza due to its exaggerated elongation of vowels.

Imam Ahmad notably evolved into the most celebrated theologian, to be

known as the ‘Imam Ahl al-Sunnah’, the leading authority on the
Orthodox doctrine. Imam Ahmad personified the theological views of
the early orthodox scholars, and in particular, the founders of the three
juristic schools before him, Hanafi, Maliki and al-Shafi’i. This proved to
be historically significant, since the Hanbali doctrine remained the only
school representing the views of the founders of the other three juristic
schools, that later became dominated by Ash’arites or the Maturidis.
What also gained him a resounding reputation was his vigorous refusal
to accept the dogma of the ‘creation of the Quran’, in spite of going
through a protracted, arduous period of severe persecution. He is often
likened to Abu Bakr, as the lone champion of Islam during the wars of
apostasy.

Imam Ahmad was equally considered to be a leading example in Zuhd

(material and spiritual asceticism), for he lived a very simple life,
detached from worldly pleasures. His work on Zuhd (Kitab al-Zuhd) is
regarded to be the most profound contribution to the Islamic heritage.
Abu Dawud, the famous compiler of Sunan, observed that sessions with
Ahmad were sessions devoted to the Hereafter, for he would never
mention anything of this world.

Ahmad’s Five Basic Juristic Principles

Despite being an exceptional jurist, Imam Ahmad detested that his
opinions be written and compiled, fearing that it may swerve his
students away from studying the sources of Law, the Quran and the
Sunnah. Yet, as Ibn al-Jawzi comments, Allah knew the sincerity in his
heart and raised around him faithful students who would record his
opinions, such that an independent school of jurisprudence and
theology was formed and attributed to Imam Ahmad.

Imam Ahmad employed exceptional caution while formulating juristic

opinions and issuing verdicts, and would frequently warn his students of
speaking in a matter in which you have no reputable predecessor. This

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prudent attitude is clearly demonstrated in the thought process applied

by Ahmad in extrapolation of laws from the divine sources, which is as
follows:

1) Divine text (Nass) from the Quran and the Sunnah was the first point
of reference for all scholars of jurisprudence, and in this, Ahmad was
not an exception. Whenever he noticed a divine textual evidence for an
issue, he never referred to other sources, opinions of the Companions,
scholars or resorted to analogical deduction (Qiyas).

2) Verdicts issued by the Companions were resorted to when no textual

evidence was found in the Quran or the Sunnah. The reasons for
ranking the verdicts of the Companions after the Quran and the Sunnah
are obvious: The Companions witnessed the revelation of the Quran,
and its implementation by the Prophet – SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa-sallam,
who advised the Ummah to adhere to the rightly-guided caliphs, hence,
the Companions ought to have a better understanding than the latter
generations.

Imam Ahmad, would likewise, never give precedence to a scholarly

opinion or analogical deduction (Qiyas) over that of the Companions’,
to the extent that if they were divided into two camps over an issue, two
different narrations would similarly be documented from Imam Ahmad.

3) In a case where the Companions differed, he preferred the opinion

supported by the divine texts (Nass).

4) In instances where none of the above was applicable, Ahmad would

resort to the Mursal Hadith (with a link missing between the Successor
and the Prophet – SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa-sallam) or a weak Hadith.
However, the type of weak Hadith that Ahmad relied on was such that it
may be regarded as ‘fair’ Hadith due to other evidences (Hasan li
Ghairihi), not the type that is deemed very weak and thus unsuitable as
an evidence for Law. This was due to the fact that, during his time, the
Hadith was only categorised into ‘sound’ (Sahih) and ‘weak’ (Dha’if). It
was only after Ahmad, that al-Tirmidhi introduced a third category of
‘fair’ (Hasan).

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5) Only after having exhausted the aforementioned sources would Imam

Ahmad employ analogical deduction (Qiyas) due to necessity, and with
utmost care.

Ahmad’s doctrine
As demonstrated previously, Imam Ahmad became the leading authority
on the Orthodox doctrine of Islam, which represented the first three
blessed generations of Islam, untainted with foreign dogmas. Ahmad’s
doctrinal influence can be measured by the fact that, out of the four
traditional schools, the Hanbali school alone maintained its own
theological view, unlike the Hanafi school which adopted the Maturidi
doctrine, or the Shafi’i and Maliki schools that adopted the Ash’ari
doctrine. The secret for this was the depth and length at which Ahmad
spoke in matters of theology, due to the prevailing unorthodoxy in his
age, headed by the Mu’tazilites. Due to this it is noted that there have
been, in comparison to other schools, very few Hanbalis who inclined
towards unorthodox views, for the copious volume of narrations from
Imam Ahmad dealing with specific issues of doctrine made it extremely
difficult for his followers to adhere to any other, yet still remain faithful
followers.
Imam Ahmad’s doctrine could be summarised as follows:

1) He would believe in the description that Allah gave to himself in the

Quran, or inspired the Prophet with, and affirm them at their face value
(Dhahir), while generally negating any resemblance between the Creator
and the creation.

2) He would vigorously reject negative theology (Ta’til), as well as

allegorical exegesis (Ta’wil), with respect to belief in Allah, which was
heavily employed by the Jahmites, Mu’tazilites and the Kullabites (later
to be known as the Ash’arites) to justify their philosophical approach to
God.

3) He believed that Allah Speaks with letters and sound, for he believed
every word and letter of the Quran to be the word of Allah, contrary to
the Kullabites, who, in their opposition to the Mu’tazilites, affirmed

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eternal Speech for Allah, yet still agreed with them in that they believed
that the Quran, which is composed of letters, was created.

4) He believed that Allah literally Hears and Sees; that He has two
Hands with which He created Adam; that Allah has a Face

5) He believed that Allah literally Rose over the Throne after Creating
the heavens and the Earth in six days.

6) He believed that Allah is High above and distinct from His creation

7) He believed that Allah is all Knowing, All Wise, All Power and All
Able, and that Allah has His own Will, He Does what He likes out of
His Wisdom. Whatever Allah has Written and Decreed upon His
creation, must come to pass. Nothing leaves His knowledge, or happens
without His Permission or Will.

8) He believed that Allah becomes Pleased when obeyed and Displeased

when disobeyed.

9) He would regard the Jahmiyah (followers of al-Jahm ibn Safwan), and

the Rafidha (the Imami Shias) who curse the Companions, to be
disbelievers (Kuffar).

10) He held that the sinners amongst the Muslims are under the threat
of Allah's punishment; that if He wishes He may Punish them or
Forgive them; Contrary to the Khawarij. He would not declare a Muslim
to be a disbeliever (Kafir) on account of his sins, nor would he exclude
actions from Iman unlike the Murjia. Once he was asked about those
who declare their belief in the five pillars of Islam, yet refuse to perform
them; he said, in reply, they are disbelievers (Kuffar).

11) He believed in the miracles that occurred at the hands of the Awliya
(pious Muslims) as a favour from Allah.

12) He believed that Abu Bakr is the best of the Companions, followed
by Umar, then the six companions chosen by the latter as Ashab al-Shura
(members of Shura council): Uthman, Ali, al-Zubair, Talha, ‘Abd al-
Rahman b. ‘Awf and Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas; followed by the fighters of
Badr from the Emigrants (Muhajirin) and then the Helpers (Ansar).

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13) He prohibited discussions on the differences between the

Companions or dislike of any of them; for the honour of
Companionship with the Prophet – SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa-sallam – is
sufficient a virtue to rank them higher than the entire Muslim Ummah
until the end of time.

The Trial
Imam Ahmad is remembered as a legendary figure in the Islamic history
for his uncompromising stance and for withstanding immense pressure
during the trial of ‘the creation of the Quran’. The Caliph at the time,
Ma’mun, subjected the scholars to severe persecution, at the behest of
the Mu’tazilite theologians who attributed themselves to Imam Abu
Hanifa in jurisprudence. The Mu'tazilites were a heretical Muslim sect,
who sanctified their intelligence above the revelation and espoused the
belief that, even though, the Quran is the speech of Allah, He created
that speech as a distinct entity and called it ‘the Quran’. This was in
opposition to the orthodox belief that Allah spoke every word of the
Quran, and indeed: ‘Allah spoke to Moses directly’, as Allah states in the
Quran.

The Mu’tazilites were discredited throughout the Umayyad rule and

never given the position of prominence and influence, until the Caliph
al-Ma'mun came to power, during the ‘Abbasids, who took them into
confidence and bestowed them with official positions within the state as
judges. Bishr al-Marrisi and Ahmad b. Abi Du’ad were the two
important figures behind the Mu’tazilite inquisition, which systematically
placed many jurists and traditionists on trial until they were forced to
acknowledge that the Quran is created, and their acknowledgement
publicised in all major cities.

Nearly all the scholars of Baghdad from the jurists and the traditionists
were tested, and all of them acknowledged the doctrine of the created
Quran, with the exception of the two; Ahmad b. Hanbal and
Muhammad b. Nuh. This greatly pained and angered Imam Ahmad,
such that he boycotted some of the great traditionists for their
acknowledgement, and often refused to narrate from them. Amongst
those boycotted were a close companion and a colleague of Imam
Ahmad, Yahya b. Ma’in, about whom, it is said that Imam Ahmad
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refused to speak to him until he died and composed the following lines
of poetry censuring his acknowledgement of heresy:
Ya ibn al-madini al-ladhi 'uridat lahu

Dunya fa Jada bi dinihi li yanalaha

Madha da'aka li intihali maqalatin

Kunta taz'umu kafiran man qalaha

O Ibn al-Madini, to whom the world was offered,

So he strove to attain it at the expense of his religion

What made you embrace a dogma (about which)

You would impute disbelief on the one who adopts it!

Finally, Ahmad b. Hanbal and Muhammad b. Nuh were also put to the
test on the order of al-Ma’mun, but they refused to acknowledge the
creation of the Quran. Consequently, they were despatched in irons to
be dealt with by al-Ma’mun himself. On the way, Imam Ahmad
supplicated to Allah to prevent him from meeting al-Ma’mun. His prayer
was answered in the sudden death of al-Ma’mun due to which they were
both sent back. Muhammad b. Nuh passed away on their return journey,
and there was none to prepare his funeral, pray over, and bury him,
except Imam Ahmad.
He remained imprisoned in Baghdad until al-Mu’tasim assumed power.
Al-Mu’tasim, unlike al-Ma’mun, was a destitute to knowledge.
Nevertheless, he continued the Mu’tazilite inquisition as explicitly
requested by al-Ma’mun in his will. His rule was perhaps the most brutal
towards Sunni scholars in general, and Imam Ahmad in particular who
intransigently continued to resist all attempts by the authorities to force
him to acknowledge the creation of the Quran. The frustrated Caliph
finally ordered Ahmad to be flogged in public, which resulted in Ahmad
falling unconscious. Imam Ahmad was released shortly afterwards, when
al-Mu’tasim feared that the commotion caused in Baghdad due to
mistreatment of Ahmad may reach an uncontrollable pitch.

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After al-Mu’tasim’s death, al-Wathiq took over the office of Khilafa, and
ordered his loyal Mu’tazili judge in Egypt, Ibn Abi al-Layth to press hard
with the inquisition. This caused many to flee from Egypt, while the
prisons became full of jurists and traditionists who resisted the
government demands. In Baghdad, however, the general public had
become enraged over the policies of the government, which made it
difficult for al-Wathiq to pursue the inquisition with the same vigour. He
therefore, instead of re-imprisoning Imam Ahmad, resolved on
banishing him from Baghdad, saying: “Do not live with me on this
earth!”, and henceforth, Ahmad b. Hanbal went into hiding.

Towards the end of al-Wathiq’s reign, a close student of al-Shafi’i,

Ahmad b. Nasr al-Khaza’i was caught by the officials and charged for
organising an uprising in Baghdad. When Ahmad al-Khaza’i was
brought to al-Wathiq in chains, the latter, instead of asking him about
his role in the uprising, questioned him about his belief in the creation of
the Quran, to which Ahmad al-Khaza’i gave the standard Sunni reply.
The enraged Caliph, upon hearing his response, personally decapitated
him. His head remained in Baghdad, while his body remained on a
crucifix in Samurra for six years, as a grisly warning to potential rebels.

After al-Wathiq’s death, his brother al-Mutawakkil took charge of the

office. Al-Mutawakkil, unlike his predecessors had the utmost respect
and admiration for the Sunni school, and through him, Allah decided to
put an end to the inquisition. Promptly after assuming the position as
Caliph, he sent orders throughout the Khilafa to put an immediate end to
all discussions regarding the Quran, released all the prisoners of faith,
dismissed the Mu’tazili judges, and more significantly deported the chief
instigator of the inquisition, Ahmad b. Abi Du’ad along with his family.
He further ordered that the Mu’tazili judges responsible for the
inquisition be cursed from by the pulpits, by name.

Al-Mutawakkil, on the other hand, showed his utmost reverence to the

Sunni hero of the inquisition, Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal, and wished to
take care of all his affairs. Ahmad, however, turned down the offers due
to his general dislike of being close to the rulers. Al-Mutwakkil, knowing
that Imam Ahmad would refuse his offerings, instead presented some
gifts to his son, Salih b. Ahmad. When it came to his knowledge, Imam

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Ahmad showed strong disapproval and refused to consume anything

from his son’s wealth.

Illness, Death and Funeral

After Imam Ahmad turned 77, he was struck with severe illness and
fever, and became very weak, yet never complaining about his infirmity
and pain until he died. In spite of his debilitation, he would urge his son,
Salih b. Ahmad, to help him stand up for prayer. When he was unable to
stand, he would pray sitting, or sometimes lying on his side. After
hearing of his illness, the masses flocked to his door. The ruling family
also showed the desire to pay him a visit, and to this end sought his
permission. However, due to his desire to remain independent of any
influence from the authority, Ahmad denied them access.

Once during his illness, an old man entered upon Imam Ahmad and
reminded him of his account before Allah, to which Imam Ahmad
began to weep profusely. On another occasion, a man who partook in
the beatings inflicted on Imam Ahmad, came to Salih b. Ahmad, the son
of the Imam, and begged him to seek permission from his father to
allow him to enter, for he felt the guilt of his involvement in the
suffering of the Imam. When he was finally given permission, he entered
upon the Imam and wept, begging for his forgiveness. Imam Ahmad
forgave him on the condition that he would never repeat his actions.
The man left the Imam, and all those present, in tears.

‘Abdullah b. Ahmad b. Hanbal narrates, that while Imam Ahmad was on

his death bed, he kept drifting in and out of consciousness, and
gesturing with his hands saying: ‘No… No… No…’ When enquired
about it, Ahmad replied: ‘The Devil was standing near me, trying his
hardest to mislead me, saying: ‘Come on, Ahmad!’, and I was replying
back: ‘No… No…’

On Friday, the 12 of Rabi' al-Awwal 241 AH, the legendary Imam

breathed his last. The news of his death quickly spread far and wide in
the city and the people flooded the streets to attend Ahmad’s funeral.
One of the rulers, upon hearing the news, sent burial shrouds along with
perfumes to be used for Ahmad’s funeral. However, respecting the
Ahmad’s wishes, his sons refused the offering and instead used a burial

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shroud prepared by his female servant. Moreover, his sons took care not
to use water from their homes to wash Imam Ahmad as he had refused
to utilise any of their resources, for accepting the offerings of the ruler.

After preparing his funeral, his sons prayed over him, along with around
200 members of the ruling family, while the streets were teeming with
both men and women, awaiting the funeral procession. Imam Ahmad’s
funeral was then brought out and the multitudes continued to pray over
him in the desert, before and after his burial at his grave.

During the trial of Imam Ahmad, he would often say: “Say to the
heretics, the decisive factor between us and you is the day of funerals”;
meaning, the adherents to the orthodox doctrine always have a good
end, for they earn the love of Allah, as well as the affection of the
multitudes, and their death has a great impact on people’s lives. This is
exactly what took place in this instance, for it is estimated that about 1
300 000 people attended his funeral. One of the scholars said in relation
to this that such a massive attendance at a funeral has never been
equalled in the history of the Arabs, neither in the pre-Islamic era
(Jahiliyah) nor in Islam. The masses were engulfed in the genuine popular
emotion, while the scene of his grave became overwhelmed by such
sentiments that the graveyard had to be guarded by the civil authorities.

Another scholar relates that when he attended the funeral of Ahmad, he

wanted pray over him at his grave. But the crowds were so awe-inspiring
that he didn’t reach the grave until after a week. The funerals of the
famous opponents of Imam Ahmad, however, were in stark contrast,
which where not attended by more than a handful. The funeral
procession of the Ahmad ibn Abi Du’ad – the chief instigator of the
inquisition – went largely unnoticed, with none willing to carry his
funeral to the graveyard, except a few from the ruling family. Such was
also the case with al-Harith al-Muhasibi – a theologian and an ascetic –
who, despite being a bitter enemy of the Mu’tazilites, was still discredited
by Imam Ahmad for his interests in Kalam (speculative theology). Only
three or four people prayed over al-Muhasibi, and a similar fate met
Bishr al-Mirrisi.

In the Islamic history, Ahmad’s funeral is noted as the day when the
Mu’tazilite doctrine was brought to a decisive and a humiliating end,

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whilst the Sunni Islam and the Prophetic guidance were the order of the
day. Ahmad’s death had proven the ineffectiveness of the Caliph’s role
in defining Islam, and further unquestionably acknowledged that it were
the scholars, rather than the Caliphs, who were the true ‘inheritors of the
Prophets’. Ahmad’s funeral was marked by the multitudes flocking, and
openly cursing al-Karabisi and al-Marrisi, the chief heretics. This became
a frequent practise amongst the subsequent Hanbali funerals throughout
Islamic history, where the masses would rally behind prominent Hanbali
funerals proclaiming: This day is for Sunnis and Hanbalis! Not Jahmis,
Mu’tazilis or Ash’aris!

The Madhab of Imam Ahmad

After the death of Imam Ahmad, his students travelled across the
Muslim world along with the responsa (Masa’il) of Ahmad concerning
theology, jurisprudence and traditions. From the foremost of his
students are: his two sons, Salih and Abdullah, Hanbal ibn Ishaq, al-
Marrudhi, al-Kawsaj, Ibn Hani, Abu Dawud (compiler of Sunan Abi
Dawud), al-Athram, Abu Zur’ah al-Razi, Abu Hatim al-Razi, ‘Abdul-
Wahhab al-Warraq, al-Tirmidhi and many others.

However, it was not until al-Khallal travelled the Muslim world,

collecting the responsa of Imam Ahmad from his students scattered
across the Khilafa, that the Madhab of Imam Ahmad was compiled in an
organised form. This vast compilation became known as al-Jami’, which
is still used in the 8th Islamic century by Ibn Taymiyah and his
contemporary Hanbali jurists.

This collection was then summarised into a short treatise on the Fiqh of
Imam Ahmad by the Baghdadi-Hanbali jurist al-Khiraqi, which became
known as Mukhtasar al-Khiraqi. This treatise was the first Fiqh manual
ever written in the Madhab, and its first ever commentary was also
written by its very author, thus, making al-Khiraqi the first author of a
Fiqh manual in the Madhab, the first one to write a commentary on a
manual, and indeed the first Hanbali to comment on his own manual.

The summarised treatise on Fiqh by al-Khiraqi proved to be the most

important contribution to Hanbali Fiqh, with over 300 commentaries,
according to Yusuf b. ‘Abd al-Hadi, which even today remains an

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excellent introductory manual to the Hanbali school of jurisprudence.

The famous commentaries to al-Mukhtasri include, but are not restricted
to: a commentary by Ibn Hamid, then al-Qadhi Abu Ya’la, then Ibn
Qudama al-Maqdisi, whose commentary, famously known as al-Mughni, is
considered to be a timeless masterpiece.

Hanbali Books on Theology

Since Hanbalism is as much a school of theology as it is a school of Law,
the Hanbali theologians have contributed several works, at various
intervals in history, representing the doctrine of Ahmad b. Hanbal.
Imam Ahmad himself played a leading role in authoring books on
doctrine, such as the Kitab al-Sunnah (Book of Sunnah) and al-Rad 'Ala
al-Zanadiqah wa al-Jahmiyah (The refutation of the Heretics and the
Jahmis). Apart from these two works, Imam Ahmad wrote several letters
addressed to some of his contemporaries, explaining the orthodox creed,
found in the Tabaqat of Ibn Abi Ya'la, although not all of the letters are
authentic.

Subsequently, the students of Ahmad in particular, and the rest of his

followers, continued to contribute works in theology. Several Hanbalis
authored books, in the footsteps of their Imam, with a common title:
Kitab al-Sunnah, such as al-Athram, ‘Abdullah (the son of Imam Ahmad),
Hanbal ibn Ishaq (the cousin of Imam Ahmad), al-Khallal.

Some of the important manuals on doctrine accepted by the mainstream

Hanbalis include: Lum’at al-I’tiqad by Ibn Qudama al-Maqdisi, al-I’tiqad
by al-Qadhi Abu Ya’la, al-Iqtisad fi al-I’tiqad by ‘Abd al-Ghani al-Maqdisi,
and various treatise written by Ibn Taymiyah, such as al-Wasitiyah and al-
Tadmurriyah, as well as his close student Ibn al-Qayyim, such as his
famous Nuniyah, an ode rhyming in the letter Nun.

It is worthy to note that many works on theology by some Hanbalis

were reactionary to the Hanbali-Ash’ari feud, such as al-Radd ‘Ala al-
Asha’irah (Rebuttal of the Ash’arites) by Ibn al-Hanbali, and by Abul-
Wafa Ibn ‘Aqil with the same title. Another example of such work is
Ibtal al-Ta'wilat li Akhbar al-Sifat (Negation of the Allegorical
Interpretations of the Traditions Pertaining to Divine Attributes) by al-
Qadhi Abu Ya’la, which came is a rebuttal of the book Mushkil al-Hadith

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wa Bayanuhu (The Problematic Traditions and their Interpretations) by

Ibn Furak, the Ash’ari theologian and a traditionist, who compiled the
aforementioned book, giving allegorical interpretations to divine texts
that seemed problematic according to Ash’ari principles; and al-
Munadhara fi al-Quran ma’a Ahl al-Bid’ah (The Debate Regarding the
Quran with Some Heretics), by the great Hanbali jurist, Ibn Qudama al-
Maqdisi, where he relates his violent discourse with his contemporaries
from the Ash’aris, whom he refers to as ‘Heretics’, about the nature of
the Quran contained in a book-form (Mushaf), whether it is created or
uncreated.

Other Hanbalis, although they did not author books dedicated to

doctrine, they did, however, include sections of doctrine in books of
Fiqh and Suluk (ethics). Al-Ghunya, by Abdul-Qadir al-Jilani – a famous
Hanbali jurist and the founder of the Qadiri Sufi order – is for the most
part, a manual in ethics and morality, yet it begins with a thorough
presentation of the Hanbali doctrine, which paints al-Jilani as an ardent
follower of the mainstream Hanbalism, and an avowed antagonist of the
Ash’aris.

Hanbali Books on Fiqh

The first manual in Fiqh, as mentioned earlier was the famous al-
Mukhtasar by al-Khiraqi, which has remained up until this day, from the
most important introductory works on Hanbali Fiqh, with its
commentary par excellence, al-Mughani by Ibn Qudama.

Al-Majd Ibn Taymiyah, who was the grandfather of the famous Hanbali
theologian and jurist, Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyah, was considered to be
one of the great authorities in the school, along with Ibn Qudama, such
that if the two Sheikhs agreed upon an issue, it would be considered the
reliable opinion (mu’tamad) in the school. Al-Majd Ibn Taymiyah
authored his famous and reliable Fiqh manual called al-Muharrar fi al-
Fiqh.

Ibn Qudama played a key role in developing a Hanbali curriculum of

Fiqh for all levels of students. He wrote a preparatory manual for the
beginners called al-‘Umdah, with the objective of developing an all-round
surface understanding of jurisprudence, without confusing the student

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with difference of opinion within the school. For the students at an

intermediate level, he authored al-Muqni’, aimed at training the students
at exercising preference (tarjih) upon conflicting opinions (ta’arudh)
within the school. For the next level, he authored al-Kafi, with the goal
of acquainting the student with the sources of the Law, and the
methodology for extrapolating rules from the revelation. Al-Mughni (lit.
rich), which is a commentary on al-Mukhtasar by al-Khiraqi, was
compiled for the advanced students, to familiarise them with the
difference of opinion and the respective arguments, beyond the school,
even surpassing the four traditional schools.

The aforementioned book, al-Muqni’ by Ibn Qudama had received two

main important commentaries: al-Sharh al-Kabir (the Great Commentary)
by al-Muwaffaq Ibn Qudama’s nephew, Shams al-Din Ibn Qudama al-
Maqdisi; and al-Insaf by the famous Hanbali jurist and judge, ‘Ala al-Din
al-Mardawi. These two commentaries have remained popular amongst
post-Ibn Qudama generations up until today.

Al-Muqni’ , also has a very popular abridgment by the famous Hanbali

jurist Sharf al-Din Abu al-Naja al-Hajjawi called: Zad al-Mustaqni’ fi
Ikhtisar al-Muqni’. This abridgement became particularly famous amongst
the Hanbalis from Najd, where it is regarded as the primer to the
Madhab. The most common and widely accepted commentary on Zad
was written by the Egyptian Hanbali jurist, Mansur b. Yunus al-Buhuti
called: al-Rawdh al-Murbi’, which was further commented on by the
Najdi-Hanbali jurist, ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Muhammad b. Qasim. The
latter commentary, which is informally known as Hashiyat Ibn Qasim is
regarded to be one of the greatest contributions to the school in the
modern times. Another invaluable contribution to the school has been
al-Sharh al-Mumti’ ‘Ala Zad al-Mustaqni’, by the famous and profound
Hanbali jurist, theologian, traditionist, linguist and a grammarian,
Muhammad b. Salih al-‘Uthaimin. Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, originally, was
delivered as a series of lectures over the years, which was then written,
compiled and then published by his loyal students into volumes.

The aforementioned author of Zad al-Mustaqni’ – al-Hajjawi, is also the

author of al-Iqna’ which serves today as a major reference work for
verdicts (Ifta) in Saudi Arabia, along with Muntaha al-Iradat by al-Futuhi.
Both of these voluminous manuals have been commented on by several
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authors. The most famous of those commentaries are Kashaf al-Qina’ ‘An
Matn al-Iqna’, which is a commentary on al-Iqna’, and Sharh Muntaha al-
Iradat, both by al-Buhuti.

Notable Hanbali Scholars

Many celebrated personalities in the Islamic history received their
tutelage in the Hanbali school, in Baghdad, Greater Syria (Sham), Egypt
and finally the Arabian Peninsula. The following is a very humble list
comprising of some of the notable Hanbalis – bar the direct students of
Imam Ahmad:

 Al-Khallal (d. 311) – A student of some of the closest

companions and students of Imam Ahmad. He is remembered and
honoured for collecting the responsa of Imam Ahmad from his
students, who were scattered across the Muslim world.
 al-Khiraqi (d. 334) – (who summarised Jami' al-Khallal into a Fiqh
manual, the mother of all Fiqh manuals in the Madhab)
 Ghulam al-Khallal (d. 363) – A servant and a devout student of
al-Khallal, and author of many works in various sciences. It is
reported that, days before his death, in his illness, he said to his
companions: I am with you until this Friday. Upon being asked
why, he said: al-Khallal informed me from Abu Bakr al-Marrudhi
that Ahmad lived until he was 78 and died on Friday. Abu Bakr al-
Marrudhi lived until he was 78 and died on Friday. Al-Khallal lived
until he was 78 and died on Friday. On Friday, Ghulam al-Khallal
breathed his last when he was 78.
 Ibn Hamid (d. 403) – He was a leading authority on the Hanbali
school in his time, and known for his frequent performance of
Hajj, such that he died on his way back from Makkah. He is
regarded to be the last of the early class (Tabaqa) of the Hanbalis.
 al-Qadhi Abu Ya'la (d. 458) – He was born to a Hanafi family,
but became a Hanbali after studying under Ibn Hamid. He became
the leading authority on the school after Ibn Hamid, who is
remembered for spreading the Madhab far and wide. His Hadith
assemblies were very popular and attended by thousands of
Traditionists, where he would sit on the chair of ‘Abdullah b.
Ahmad b. Hanbal and narrate Hadith.

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 Abu al-Khattab (d. 510) – A devout student of al-Qadhi Abu

Ya’la, and author of many works in the Madhab, the most
important of them: al-Intisar authored as a defence to various
Hanbali juristic opinions in comparison to other schools. His
students included many prominent Hanbali figures, such as ‘Abd
al-Qadir al-Jailani.
 Abu Isma’il al-Harawi (d. 481) – A celebrated Hanbali jurist and
a theologian, known for his awe-inspiring personality, and ardent
enmity towards the Ash’arites. He was one of the great Sufi figures
in the history, who authored Manazil al-Sa’irin – a manual in
Tasawwuf – which was later expounded by Ibn al-Qayyim in Madarij
al-Salikin. He was a fearless defender of the Hanbali faith such that
he would often say:
Ana Hanbaliyun Mahayiytu fa in amut

Fa wasiyati li al-Nasi an yatahanbalu

I am a Hanbali as long as I live, and when I die

My legacy to the people is to become Hanbalis

 Abul-Wafa ‘Ali ibn ‘Aqil (d. 488) – One of the most intelligent
jurists the Hanbalis ever had within their ranks. He was, in his
youth, influenced by the Mu’tazlites and showed admiration for al-
Hallaj (a pantheist who pretended to be a Muslim), but soon
repented and wrote various rebuttals against the Mu’tazlites and
the Ash’arites. Ibn al-Jawzi relates that Ibn ‘Aqil once said: I say
with utmost certainty that the Companions died having no knowledge of the
atoms (Jawhar) or accidents (‘Aradh). Hence, if you feel that you should be
like them, then be! But, if you think that the way of the Doctors of Kalam is
better than the way of Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, then how evil is what you
think! He left behind many works, amongst them voluminous al-
Funun, of which only a small portion is found today.
 ‘Abdul-Qadir al-Jailani (d. 561) A Hanbali theologian, great
preacher and, perhaps the most influential Sufi figure who
founded the Qadiriyah way (Tariqa). Although, his life is regarded as
a chain of miracles, so much has been claimed about his
‘sainthood’ by his passionate Sufi followers that very little of his

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biographical accounts can be verified. The only book one can

attribute to al-Jailani with a level of surety is al-Ghunya, in which he
spells out his strict adherence to the Hanbali dogma and Law.
 Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597) A famous jurist, exegete, critic, preacher and
a prolific author, with works on all subjects. He began his
preaching career at a very young age and gained popularity
amongst the masses. Although, he never met Ibn ‘Aqil, he did
receive a fair amount of tutelage from his books, which left him
perplexed about the orthodox doctrine of the Hanbali school; as
reflected in his theological opinions that are often contradictory,
and at times leaning towards allegorical exegesis (ta’wil) conflicting
with the mainstream Hanbali position. His works in theology,
thereafter, were criticised by the mainstream theologians of the
Madhab, such as Ibn Qudama.
 Ibn Qudama al-Maqdisi (d. 620) One of the major Hanbali
authorities and the author of the profound and voluminous book
on Law, al-Mughni, which became popular amongst researchers
from all juristic backgrounds. He was also an authority on Hanbali
doctrine and a passionate opponent of the Ash’arites, but that did
not prevent him from joining the military campaign of Salah al-
Din al-Ayyubi, who was an Ash’ari, against the Crusaders in
Palestine.
 Majd al-Din Ibn Taymiyah (d. 653) A great jurist, traditionist,
grammarian and exegete of Harran. He was the grandfather of the
celebrated Sheikh al-Islam Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyah. The well-
known grammarian and the author of Alfiya, Ibn Malik would hold
al-Majd in high regard. He also enjoyed an esteemed position in
the Hanbali school, as the term ‘The Two Sheikhs’ (Sheikhan)
would only refer to him and Ibn Qudama.
 Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyah (d. 728) – A legendary figure in the
Islamic history, known by his friends and foes for his expertise in
all Islamic sciences. Aside from being a celebrated scholar, he also
gained much prominence due to his fearlessness, zealous activism,
political and military campaigns in Damascus against the invading
Tatar. Ibn Nasir al-Din al-Dimashqi in his book al-Radd al-Wafir
mentions 87 scholars from all schools who referred to Ibn
Taymiya as ‘Sheikh al-Islam’, a prestigious title given only to jurists
and traditionists whose verdicts reached a high level of fame and

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acceptance. His fame also earned him many envious enemies who
continued to conspire against him, until he was imprisoned in the
citadel of Damascus and died therein. His funeral was attended by
a mammoth number of inhabitants of Damascus, while the funeral
prayer in absentia was prayed over him throughout the Islamic
world. He is remembered for his invaluable contributions, not only
to the Hanbali school of jurisprudence and theology, but also to
the rich Islamic heritage. He also produced many students of high
calibre. Names such as Ibn al-Qayyim, al-Dhahabi and Ibn Kathir
are but some of his virtues.
 Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziya (d. 751) – The closest companion and a
student of Ibn Taymiyah who shared with him the moments of
ease and hardship, until the latter’s death in the citadel. His works
in various Islamic sciences earned him much acceptance and fame.
Some of his important works include Zaad al-Ma’ad in Seerah and
Fiqh, I’lam al-Muwaqqi’in in Usul al-Fiqh, and al-Kafiyah fil-Intisar lil-
Firqat al-Najiyah, an ode rhyming in the letter Nun on Hanbali
theology, which is taught and studied in Hanbali schools until
today.
 Ahmad ibn ‘Abdil-Hadi (d. 744) – A devout and close student of
Ibn Taymiyah and an expert traditionist. He wrote at length the
legendary accounts of his beloved teacher Ibn Taymiyah. He is
also the author of al-Sarim al-Munki fi al-Radd ‘Ala al-Subki, a
violent rebuttal of al-Subki’s attempt to justify taking long journeys
for the visitation of the Prophet’s grave. Unfortunately, he died
before completing this book at the age of forty.
 Najm al-Din al-Tufi (d. 716) – The author of several important
works, such as the summarisation of Rawdat al-Nadhir by Ibn
Qudama, also known as al-Bulbul, widely taught until today. In
spite of being a Hanbali in Fiqh, he would often refer to himself as
an Ash’arite and extreme Shi’ite. He was chastised in public and
imprisoned several times for his unorthodox views. Although, his
repentance is reported; however, Ibn Rajab doubted the sincerity
of his repentance.
 Shams al-Din b. Muflih (d. 763) – One of the leading authorities
in Hanbali Law who received his tutelage amongst several
prominent Hanbali figures, including Ibn Taymiyah. He gave
particular attention to the juristic preferences of Ibn Taymiyah,

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and included them in his voluminous and renowned masterpiece

on Hanbali jurisprudence known as al-Furu’.
 Ahmad b. Qadhi al-Jabal (d. 771) – A chief judge and a devout
student of Ibn Taymiyah. He is regarded to be the leading Hanbali
poet of his time. He would often recite the following:
Nabiyi Ahmad wa Kadha Imami

wa Sheikhi Ahmad Ka al-Bahri Tami

wa ismi Ahmad Li Dhaka Arju

Shafa'ata Ashrafi al-Rusul al-Kirami

My Prophet is Ahmad, and so is my Imam

My Sheikh, Ahmad (b. Taymiya), is like an ocean abundant with knowledge

My name is Ahmad and henceforth I wish for

The intercession of the most noble of the Messengers

 Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (d. 795) – A prominent jurist, traditionist,

ascetic and preacher, who authored several important works,
largely commenting upon famous collections of traditions, such as
al-Tarmidhi, al-Bukhari and the forty Hadith of al-Nawawi. His
teachers include Ibn al-Qayyim, under whom he learnt his famous
Hanbali ode al-Kafiyah.
 ‘Ala al-Din Al-Mardawi (d. 885) – A chief judge and one of the
foremost specialists in the Madhab amongst the latter Hanbali
generations. He is the author of al-Insaf, a rich commentary on al-
Muqni’ of Ibn Qudama, where he lists the variance of opinion,
then declares the correct position in the school.
 Sharaf al-Din Al-Hajjawi (d. 968) A distinguished figure amongst
the latter Damascan Hanbali scholars, and the author of two
important manuals that were to remain the basis for verdicts
amongst the Hanbalis until today: Zad al-Mustaqni’, a
summarisation of al-Muqni’; and al-Iqna’.
 Ibn al-Najjar al-Futuhi (d. 980) – A notable Egyptian Hanbali
authority and the author of Muntaha al-Iradat, which were to

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become another widely accepted manual amongst the latter

Hanbalis, along with al-Iqna’.
 Mar’i b. Yusuf al-Karmi (d. 1033) – A Palestinian born scholar
who resided in Egypt and wrote extensively on various sciences.
He is particularly remembered for making two important
contributions to Hanbali Fiqh: i) Ghayat al-Muntaha, which came as
a merger between the two relied-upon manuals, al-Iqna’ and
Muntaha al-Iradat; and ii) Dalil al-Talib, a summarisation of Muntaha
al-Iradat. This manual received various commentaries, the most
famous of which is Manar al-Sabil, by Ibn Dhuwayan.
 Mansur b. Yunus al-Buhuti (d. 1051) An Egyptian jurist of great
stature, held in much respect for his invaluable contribution to the
Hanbali school. His works mostly comprise of commentaries on
various manuals, such as al-Rawdh al-Murbi’, a commentary on Zad;
Kashaf al-Qina’, a commentary on al-Iqna’; and a commentary on
Muntaha al-Iradat. He became the centre of learning for the
Hanbalis from Jerusalem, the Greater Syria and Najd.
 ‘Abd al-Baqi al-Hanbali al-Ba’li (d.1071) – A jurist and a
traditionist who received his tutelage from al-Azhar. He assumed
the position of Ifta for the Hanbalis in Jerusalem, and dedicated his
life to learning and teaching various sciences.
 Ibn al-‘Imad (d. 1089) – A Syrian-Hanbali scholar and the author
of a large biographical history, known as Shadharat al-dhahab fi
akhbar man dhahab, covering the Hijra years one to 1000.
 Abu al-Mawahib al-Hanbali (d. 1126) – A Damascan Hanbali
traditionist and a leading reciter of the Quran, who wrote
extensively on various topics. Due to his known piety, he would
often be asked to lead the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa’), as
occurred in the year 1108 when Damascus was hit by a drought.
Abu al-Mawahib then led the masses in prayer, beseeching Allah
for rain, and his prayer was instantly answered.
 Muhammad Al-Saffarini (d. 1188) – A traditionist and jurist and
a profound writer on various issues. He is most commonly famous
for his poetic treatise on Hanbali theology called: al-Durrah al-
Mudhiyah fi ‘Aqd al-Firqat al-Mardhiyah, which generally falls in line
with the mainstream Hanbali dogma, bar few instances. However,
in his commentary, known as Lawami’ al-Anwar al-Bahiyah, he often
tends to contradict his poem, in agreement with the mainstream

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Hanbali doctrine. His poem, nevertheless, still remains popular

amongst Hanbali students.
 Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab (d. 1206) A leading Hanbali
jurist and a theologian of Najd; more notably remembered as the
pioneer of the revivalist movement which began in the Arabian
Peninsula, and continued to influence various Islamic movements
until today. The focus of his call was to revive the true Islamic
monotheism which – in Najd – had been tainted over the years
with various pre-Islamic and pagan practises. After a period of
persecution, he was finally triumphant, joining forces with the
leader of al-Dar’iyah, Muhammad b. Su’ud (Saud).
 Sulaiman b. ‘Abd Allah b. Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab (d.
1233) – Grandson of Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab, who
excelled in traditions, Fiqh and theology. He was brutally executed
on the orders of the viceroy of Egypt, Ibrahim Pasha, by a firing
squad in a graveyard. His flesh was then collected and buried.
 Fatima bint Muhammad al-Hanbaliyah (d. 1247) – A famous
female scholar of traditions, Fiqh, an ascetic and a popular
preacher. She died in Makkah and was buried in al-Mu’lla
graveyard.
 ‘Abdullah Aba Butain (d. 1282) – The grand Mufti of the 13 th
Islamic century Najd, and an undisputable Hanbali authority on
Fiqh, traditions and theology. He was also a great admirer and
defender of Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab.
 ‘Uthman b. Bishr al-Najdi (d. 1290) – A Najdi historian and a
follower of Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab, known for his work on history:
Unwan al-Majd fi Tarikh Najd.
 Muhammad b. Humaid al-Najdi (d. 1295) – A Hanbali jurist,
traditionist , historian, and an ardent enemy of Ibn ‘Abd al-
Wahhab’s followers, in spite of being a student of Aba Butain and
a great admirer of Ibn Taymiyah and Ibn al-Qayyim. He is the
author of al-Suhub al-Wabila ‘ala Dhara’ih al-Hanabilah, which is a
continuation of Dhail Tabaqat al-Hanabila of Ibn Rajab.
 Hamad b. ‘Atiq (d. 1301) – A jurist and a judge in al-Kharaj, and
then al-Aflaj, and an author of several works in theology and Fiqh.
 Ahmad b. ‘Isa al-Najdi (d. 1329) – A jurist, traditionist,
theologian, a student of Aba Butain and a passionate follower and
a propagandist of Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab’s revivalist movement. He

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would travel to Makkah, the centre of the Islamic world, and

would often discuss theology with various scholars of the Muslim
world. He managed to earn great respect from the Sharif of
Makkah, who, at his encouragement, demolished all the domed-
tombs in al-Mu’alla graveyard. His invaluable contributions include
his two volume commentary on al-Nuniyah of Ibn al-Qayyim in
theology.
 ‘Abd al-Qadir b. Badran (d. 1346) – A Damascan scholar in
Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, theology, grammar, and a great enthusiast for
Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab’s movement. He was initially a Shafi’i, and
later, after much research and investigation decided to be a
Hanbali. His invaluable contributions to the Madhab include: al-
Madkhal ila Madhab al-Imam Ahmad, an all-round introduction to
the Madhab; a commentary on Ibn al-Qayyim’s al-Nuniyah; a
commentary on a Hanbali manual on Usul, Rawdhat al-Nadhir by
Ibn Qudama, and many other works.
 Abu Bakr Khuqir (d. 1349) – A prominent Hanbali scholar of
Makkah, and a student of Ahmad b. ‘Isa. He was an outspoken
propagandist of Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab’s movement, due to which
he was imprisoned along with his sons, while the eldest of them
died in prison. He was eventually released upon ‘Abd al-‘Aziz b.
Su’ud’s conquest of Makkah, where he was, thereafter, appointed
as a Mufti for Hanbalis. His contributions mainly comprised of
works and rebuttals on theological issues.
 Ibrahim al-Duwaiyan (d. 1353) – A jurist, traditionist,
genealogist and a judge in Qasim, most notably known for his
commentary on Dalil al-Talib, called Manar al-Sabil.
 ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Nasir al-Sa’di (d. 1376) – A prominent
jurist, exegete, grammarian with a great interest in poetry. He
contributed many works in different subjects, the most of
celebrated of them: Taysir al-Karim al-Mannan in exegesis; Manhaj al-
Salikin a primer in Fiqh. His students include Muhammad b. Salih
al-‘Uthaimin and ‘Abdullah b. ‘Aqil.
 Muhammad b. Ibrahim (d. 1389) – The Grand Mufti of Saudi
Arabia, and a prominent Hanbali jurist. He played a leading role in
the development of some important legal and educational
institutes. His students include: Ibn Baz, Muhammad b. Abd al-
Rahman al-Qasim and ‘Abd Allah b. Jibrin.

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 ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Qasim (d. 1392) A prominent jurist,

traditionist and a theologian, who is particularly esteemed for the
most valued contribution to the Islamic heritage in this age, a 35-
volume Majmu’ al-Fatawa of Ibn Taymiyah. His seven-volume
commentary on al-Rawdh al-Murbi’ has also become considerably
popular amongst the latter Hanbalis.
 ‘Abd al-'Aziz b. Baz (d. 1420) – The Grand Mufti of Saudi
Arabia after his teacher, Muhammad b. Ibrahim, and a leading
figure in the Islamic Da’wah. He was a Mujtahid in Hanbali
Madhab, and was referred to by some as the leading authority on
orthodox Islam (Imam Ahl al-Sunnah).
 Muhammad b. Salih al-Uthaimin (d. 1421) – A leading jurist,
grammarian, linguist, and a popular preacher. A close and devout
student of ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sa’di, and a commentator on Zad al-
Mustaqni’; his commentary is known as al-Sharh al-Mumti’. His
students include Ahmad al-Qadhi, Khalid al-Muslih, Khalid al-
Mushayqih, and many others.
 ‘Abdullah b. ‘Aqil – A jurist and formerly chief justice in Saudi
Arabia. One of the closest students of ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sa’di,
who is known today as Sheikh al-Hanabilah. His close students
include: Dr. al-Shibl, Haitham al-Haddad and Anas b. ‘Aqil, his
grandson.
 Bakr b. ‘Abd Allah Abu Zaid – A jurist, traditionist, linguist and
a profound author of many works. His important contributions to
the Hanbali Madhab include al-Madkhal al-Mufassal ila Fiqh al-Imam
Ahmad b. Hanbal, a two-volume in-depth introduction to the
Madhab, which serves today as one of the main reference work on
the school.

Increasing Number of Hanbalis

Historically, the Hanbali Madhab has always been known for having
fewer followers comparatively to the remaining schools. Some even
argued that the small number of followers was indicative of an inherent
weakness of the Madhab and its lack of popularity. Hanbalis often
responded with the following verse of poetry:
Yaquluna fi ashabi ahmada qillatun

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Fa qultu lahum inn al-kirama qalilu

They say of Ahmad’s followers: How few they are!

Thus, I said to them: The dignified are always few

The secret behind the spread of any particular Madhab, or lack thereof,
has mainly been the authorities, responsible for bestowing the Islamic
courts to one faction, at the expense of the other. In a land where courts
were dominated by a particular Madhab, a student qualifying in a
different Madhab had no future, and consequently, was forced to
migrate, or embrace the native Madhab, or conspire with fellow
Madhabists to seize the courts for themselves, by any means necessary.
This was one of the main reasons behind Hanafi-Shafi’i rivalry in the
Islamic history, which at times led to violent clashes.

The Hanbalis, however, had an inherent tendency of declining lofty

positions offered by the authorities. Hence, Abu al-Wafa Ibn ‘Aqil al-
Hanbali remarks that the Hanbali Madhab has been ‘oppressed’ by none
other than Hanbalis themselves. For whenever a Hanbali would excel in
knowledge, he would submerge himself in worship and gratitude to
Allah, embrace the ascetic life (Zuhd) and divorce himself from fame,
status and worldly life. This was also confirmed by a prominent Shafi’i
traditionist and a historian, al-Dhahabi, in his book Zaghl al-‘Ilm where
he describes the Hanbalis with similar distinguishing qualities.

The Hanbalis had remained an insignificant minority, and perhaps, close

to extinction, until Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab arose in Najd
forming an influential revivalist movement, with the aim to purify the
true understanding of Islamic monotheism, in a society stained with pre-
Islamic pagan beliefs and practices. After a period of persecution and
exile, he joined forces with Muhammad b. Su’ud and successfully
revived the enforcement of the much-neglected Shariah laws.

It is solely to the credit of the Wahhabist revivalist movement, that until

today, the courts in the Arabian Peninsula are predominantly Hanbali,
bar some areas to the south near Yemen, which still remain Shafi’i. The
significance of the Wahhabist call is demonstrated in an undeniable fact
that nearly all Islamic reformist movements in the 20 th century, directly

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or indirectly, are influenced by the basic call of Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab.

Egypt, for example, apart from being the centre for Ash’ari learning,
with its political life dominated by a brutal socialist-dictatorship, has
been historically at odds with the followers of Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab; yet,
one cannot but notice that the majority of ‘The Youth of Awakening’
(Shabab al-Sahwah) are somewhat more inclined towards the Wahhabist
thought than the dogma propagated by the local Azharites. Hence, it
comes at no surprise that ‘Wahhabism’ has been singled out as an
ideological target in the so-called ‘War on Terror’.

A scant reading of the Islamic history illustrates that the Hanbalis are
known for having an outstanding character, fearlessness and eagerness
for enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, with Imam Ahmad
setting the precedence by remaining steadfast during the inquisition.
After the demise of Imam Ahmad, the Hanbalis grew stronger in
Baghdad, and as Ibn ‘Asakir notes, they would patrol the streets, during
which, if they noticed a man with an unrelated woman, they would
report him to the police; or if they noticed a musical instrument or a
bottle of alcohol, they would smash it. Al-Khiraqi, who was the first
Hanbali scholar to write a Fiqh manual, died after being severely beaten
while attempting to combat evils in Damascus. Ibn Taymiyah would
likewise patrol the streets with his students, during which, if they noticed
anyone playing chess they disrupt the game; or if they saw utensils of
alcohol or musical instruments, they would smash them. Ibn Taymiyah
was also greatly admired for his fearless encounter with the ruthless
Mongolian invader of Damascus, Qazan; as he is also remembered for
his frequent imprisonment for in defence of the orthodox doctrine.

Conclusion
If a hundred-and-fifty pages by al-Dhahabi, or over seven-hundred
pages by Ibn al-Jawzi could not encompass all the details in the life of
such a magnificent figure in our history, as that of Imam Ahmad b.
Hanbal al-Shaibani, then how can one claim to do justice in this brief
twenty page introduction. The unavoidable omission of detail in such a
piece, should not be considered as a disservice to the Madhab.

The enthusiastic reader with a keen interest to inquire more about Imam
Ahmad is recommended to read the most comprehensive biography of
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 Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Life & Madhhab

Imam Ahmad by Ibn al-Jawzi called Manaqib al-Imam Ahmad; followed

by Imam Ahmad’s biography by al-Dhahabi in Siyar al-‘Alam al-Nubula’.
Those seeking in-depth information about the Madhab are
recommended to read the richest introduction to the Madhab by Dr.
Bakr b. ‘Abd Allah Abu Zaid called al-Madkhal al-Mufassal Ila Fiqh al-
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (A detailed introduction to the jurisprudence of
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Equally recommended is another primer,
albeit not so detailed, but still unique, titled: al-Madkhal ila Madhab al-
Imam Ahmad, by Ibn Badran al-Dimashqi. Ahmad b. Hanbal al-Sirah wal-
Madhab (Ahmad ibn Hanbal – the life and the Madhab) by Sa’di Abu
Jaib is similarly recommended for a devotee of the Madhab, dealing with
various aspects of the life of Imam Ahmad and his Madhab not
addressed in the two aforementioned introductory books.

We ask Allah to accept this effort and forgive our shortcomings, for to
err is only human.

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