1 00:00:00,430 --> 00:00:03,430 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2 00:00:03,430 --> 00:00:08,429 The best of generations in their conduct and example. 3 00:00:08,429 --> 00:00:13,429 Following the Messenger, peace be upon him, in his striving and his speech. 4 00:00:13,429 --> 00:00:15,429 A society of affection. 5 00:00:15,429 --> 00:00:17,429 Proceeding. 6 00:00:17,429 --> 00:00:21,429 Portraits from the lives of the Tabi'un. 7 00:00:21,429 --> 00:00:25,820 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha. 8 00:00:25,820 --> 00:00:27,820 May Allah have mercy upon him. 9 00:00:27,820 --> 00:00:32,929 Abu Hanifah al-Nu'man. 10 00:00:32,929 --> 00:00:34,929 May Allah have mercy upon him. 11 00:00:42,600 --> 00:00:44,600 He was of a handsome face and a striking appearance. 12 00:00:44,600 --> 00:00:47,600 Eloquent in speech and pleasant in conversation. 13 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:49,600 He was not excessively tall. 14 00:00:49,600 --> 00:00:53,600 Nor was he short, such that the eyes would turn away from him. 15 00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:57,759 Beyond that, he was a man who dressed in elegant clothing. 16 00:00:58,759 --> 00:01:01,759 He had a radiant appearance and used perfume generously. 17 00:01:01,759 --> 00:01:03,759 Whenever he appeared before people, 18 00:01:03,759 --> 00:01:06,760 They would recognize him by his fragrance before they even saw him. 19 00:01:06,760 --> 00:01:10,760 That is al-Nu'man ibn Thabit ibn al-Marzuban, 20 00:01:10,760 --> 00:01:13,760 Known by the kunya Abu Hanifah. 21 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:16,760 He was the first to unfold the blossoms of fiqh, 22 00:01:16,760 --> 00:01:21,519 And extract from them the most exquisite of scents. 23 00:01:21,519 --> 00:01:26,519 Abu Hanifah lived through the end of the Umayyad era, 24 00:01:26,519 --> 00:01:29,519 And the beginning of the Abbasid era. 25 00:01:29,519 --> 00:01:33,519 He lived in a time when the caliphs and governors were lavish 26 00:01:33,519 --> 00:01:36,519 In their generosity toward those of talent, 27 00:01:36,519 --> 00:01:40,519 To the point that their sustenance came to them easily from every place, 28 00:01:40,519 --> 00:01:42,519 Without them even realizing it. 29 00:01:42,519 --> 00:01:47,519 However, Abu Hanifah honored his knowledge and his own soul too much for that, 30 00:01:47,519 --> 00:01:51,519 And he resolved to live only from the earnings of his own hands, 31 00:01:51,519 --> 00:01:55,870 And that his hand would always be the upper one. 32 00:01:55,870 --> 00:01:58,870 Once, al-Mansur asked to visit him. 33 00:01:58,870 --> 00:02:00,870 When he arrived at his place, 34 00:02:00,870 --> 00:02:04,870 He showed him great honor, respect, and welcome, 35 00:02:04,870 --> 00:02:06,870 And brought him close to his own seat. 36 00:02:06,870 --> 00:02:11,870 He began asking him about many matters of religion and worldly affairs. 37 00:02:11,870 --> 00:02:14,939 When he intended to leave, 38 00:02:14,939 --> 00:02:18,939 He handed him a bag containing thirty thousand dirhams, 39 00:02:18,939 --> 00:02:22,939 Despite al-Mansur’s well-known stinginess. 40 00:02:22,939 --> 00:02:24,939 Abu Hanifah said to him, 41 00:02:24,939 --> 00:02:26,939 "O Commander of the Faithful, 42 00:02:26,939 --> 00:02:29,939 I am a stranger in Baghdad, 43 00:02:29,939 --> 00:02:32,939 And this money has no place with me, 44 00:02:32,939 --> 00:02:34,939 And I fear for it, 45 00:02:34,939 --> 00:02:37,939 So keep it for me in the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal), 46 00:02:37,939 --> 00:02:40,939 Until I need it, at which point I will ask you for it." 47 00:02:40,939 --> 00:02:44,099 Al-Mansur granted his request. 48 00:02:44,099 --> 00:02:48,099 However, life did not last long for Abu Hanifah after that. 49 00:02:48,099 --> 00:02:51,129 When his time came, 50 00:02:51,129 --> 00:02:57,129 There were found in his house deposits belonging to people that exceeded many times that amount. 51 00:02:57,129 --> 00:03:00,259 When al-Mansur heard of this, he said, 52 00:03:00,259 --> 00:03:03,259 "May Allah have mercy on Abu Hanifah, 53 00:03:03,259 --> 00:03:04,259 For he deceived us, 54 00:03:04,259 --> 00:03:07,259 And refused to take anything from us, 55 00:03:07,259 --> 00:03:10,259 And was subtle in turning us away." 56 00:03:10,259 --> 00:03:11,259 And it is no wonder, 57 00:03:11,259 --> 00:03:14,259 For Abu Hanifah was certain that 58 00:03:14,259 --> 00:03:17,259 No person ever ate a morsel more wholesome, 59 00:03:17,259 --> 00:03:21,259 Nor more honorable, than a morsel earned by the work of his own hands. 60 00:03:21,259 --> 00:03:26,259 Therefore, we find him dedicating a portion of his time to trade. 61 00:03:26,259 --> 00:03:30,259 He began trading in silk and fine fabrics. 62 00:03:30,259 --> 00:03:35,259 His trade went back and forth between the cities of Iraq. 63 00:03:35,259 --> 00:03:39,259 He had a well-known shop that people would seek out, 64 00:03:39,259 --> 00:03:42,259 Where they would find honesty in transactions, 65 00:03:42,259 --> 00:03:45,259 And integrity in taking and giving. 66 00:03:45,259 --> 00:03:50,259 There is no doubt that they also found high taste there. 67 00:03:50,259 --> 00:03:55,259 His trade brought him abundant goodness, 68 00:03:55,259 --> 00:03:59,259 And bestowed upon him much wealth from the bounty of Allah. 69 00:03:59,259 --> 00:04:04,379 He would take wealth from its lawful source and place it in its proper place. 70 00:04:04,379 --> 00:04:08,379 It was known that whenever a year passed, 71 00:04:08,379 --> 00:04:11,379 He would calculate the profits from his trade, 72 00:04:11,379 --> 00:04:14,379 Keep what was sufficient for his own expenses, 73 00:04:14,379 --> 00:04:19,449 And then buy with the remainder the needs of the reciters of the Qur'an and the scholars of hadith, 74 00:04:19,449 --> 00:04:24,509 As well as the jurists and students of knowledge, providing their food and clothing. 75 00:04:24,509 --> 00:04:29,509 He would allocate a sum of cash for each of them, 76 00:04:29,509 --> 00:04:32,509 And hand it all to them, saying, 77 00:04:32,509 --> 00:04:38,509 "These are the profits of your goods, which Allah has caused to reach you through my hands. 78 00:04:38,509 --> 00:04:42,509 By Allah, I have not given you anything from my own wealth, 79 00:04:42,509 --> 00:04:45,509 It is only the bounty of Allah upon me for your sake, 80 00:04:45,509 --> 00:04:50,509 For in the provision of Allah, there is no power for anyone other than Allah." 81 00:04:50,509 --> 00:04:58,300 The news of Abu Hanifah’s generosity and magnanimity spread far and wide, 82 00:04:58,300 --> 00:05:01,300 Especially with his companions and associates. 83 00:05:01,300 --> 00:05:08,300 Among these stories is that one of his companions came to his shop one day and said, 84 00:05:08,300 --> 00:05:12,300 "I am in need of a silk garment, O Abu Hanifah." 85 00:05:12,300 --> 00:05:16,430 Abu Hanifah asked him, "What color?" 86 00:05:16,430 --> 00:05:19,430 He replied, "Such and such." 87 00:05:19,430 --> 00:05:24,500 He said, "Be patient until I find one, and I will get it for you." 88 00:05:24,500 --> 00:05:29,500 By the time the week had passed, he had found the requested garment. 89 00:05:29,500 --> 00:05:33,500 His companion passed by, and Abu Hanifah said to him, 90 00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:36,500 "I have found what you needed." 91 00:05:36,500 --> 00:05:38,500 And he brought out the garment for him. 92 00:05:38,500 --> 00:05:40,500 He liked it and asked, 93 00:05:40,500 --> 00:05:43,500 "How much should I pay your assistant for it?" 94 00:05:43,500 --> 00:05:45,500 He replied, "One dirham." 95 00:05:45,500 --> 00:05:48,500 The man said in astonishment, 96 00:05:48,500 --> 00:05:50,500 "One dirham?" 97 00:05:50,500 --> 00:05:53,500 Abu Hanifah said, "Yes." 98 00:05:53,500 --> 00:05:55,500 The man said to him, 99 00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:59,500 "I did not think you would mock me, O Abu Hanifah." 100 00:05:59,500 --> 00:06:01,500 Abu Hanifah replied, 101 00:06:01,500 --> 00:06:03,500 "I have not mocked you, 102 00:06:03,500 --> 00:06:06,500 I bought this garment and another one with it 103 00:06:06,500 --> 00:06:08,500 For twenty gold dinars. 104 00:06:08,500 --> 00:06:10,500 [I sold the first for twenty dinars and] one silver dirham. 105 00:06:10,500 --> 00:06:14,500 I have already sold one of the two garments for twenty gold dinars, 106 00:06:14,500 --> 00:06:17,500 And this one remains with me for one dirham. 107 00:06:17,500 --> 00:06:21,500 And I would never seek profit from my companion." 108 00:06:21,500 --> 00:06:25,529 An old woman came to him seeking a silk garment, 109 00:06:25,529 --> 00:06:27,529 And he brought out the requested garment for her. 110 00:06:27,529 --> 00:06:29,529 She said to him, 111 00:06:29,529 --> 00:06:31,529 "I am an old woman, 112 00:06:31,529 --> 00:06:33,529 And I have no knowledge of prices, 113 00:06:33,529 --> 00:06:35,529 And this is a matter of trust, 114 00:06:35,529 --> 00:06:38,529 So sell me the garment for what it cost you, 115 00:06:38,529 --> 00:06:41,529 And add a little profit to it, 116 00:06:41,529 --> 00:06:43,529 For I am weak." 117 00:06:43,529 --> 00:06:45,529 He said to her, 118 00:06:45,529 --> 00:06:49,529 "I bought two garments in a single transaction, 119 00:06:49,529 --> 00:06:52,529 Then I sold one of them for the cost price, 120 00:06:52,529 --> 00:06:54,529 Except for four dirhams. 121 00:06:54,529 --> 00:06:56,529 So take it for that, 122 00:06:56,529 --> 00:06:59,620 And I do not want any profit from you." 123 00:06:59,620 --> 00:07:04,660 One day, he saw ragged clothes on one of his companions. 124 00:07:04,660 --> 00:07:06,660 When the people had left, 125 00:07:06,660 --> 00:07:09,660 And no one remained in the gathering except him and the man, 126 00:07:09,660 --> 00:07:10,660 He said to him, 127 00:07:10,660 --> 00:07:12,660 "Lift this prayer mat, 128 00:07:12,660 --> 00:07:14,660 And take what is underneath it." 129 00:07:14,660 --> 00:07:16,660 The man lifted the mat, 130 00:07:16,660 --> 00:07:19,660 And there were a thousand dirhams underneath it. 131 00:07:19,660 --> 00:07:21,660 Abu Hanifah said to him, 132 00:07:21,660 --> 00:07:24,660 "Take it and improve your situation with it." 133 00:07:24,660 --> 00:07:26,720 The man said, 134 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:28,720 "I am well-off, 135 00:07:28,720 --> 00:07:30,720 And Allah has blessed me, 136 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:32,720 And I have no need for it." 137 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:34,720 Abu Hanifah said to him, 138 00:07:34,720 --> 00:07:37,720 "If Allah has blessed you, 139 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:39,720 Then where are the traces of His blessing? 140 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:45,720 Has it not reached you that the Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: 141 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:50,720 'Indeed, Allah loves to see the trace of His blessing upon His servant.' 142 00:07:50,720 --> 00:07:53,720 So you should improve your situation, 143 00:07:53,720 --> 00:07:58,899 So that you do not sadden your friend." 144 00:07:58,899 --> 00:08:02,899 The generosity of Abu Hanifah and his kindness to people reached such a point 145 00:08:02,899 --> 00:08:06,899 That whenever he spent on his family, 146 00:08:06,899 --> 00:08:10,899 He would give the same amount in charity to others in need. 147 00:08:10,899 --> 00:08:13,899 And whenever he wore a new garment, 148 00:08:13,899 --> 00:08:16,899 He would clothe the poor with the equivalent of its price. 149 00:08:16,899 --> 00:08:19,930 And when food was placed before him, 150 00:08:19,930 --> 00:08:23,930 He would set aside double what he usually ate, 151 00:08:23,930 --> 00:08:25,930 And give it to the poor. 152 00:08:25,930 --> 00:08:28,089 Among the things narrated about him 153 00:08:28,089 --> 00:08:31,089 Is that he made a covenant with himself 154 00:08:31,089 --> 00:08:34,090 That he would not swear by Allah during his speech 155 00:08:34,090 --> 00:08:37,090 Without giving a silver dirham in charity. 156 00:08:37,090 --> 00:08:40,179 Then he progressed in the matter, 157 00:08:40,179 --> 00:08:43,179 And made a covenant with himself that if he swore by Allah, 158 00:08:43,179 --> 00:08:46,179 He would give a gold dinar in charity. 159 00:08:46,179 --> 00:08:51,179 So whenever he swore truthfully, he would give a dinar. 160 00:08:51,179 --> 00:08:55,879 Hafs ibn Abd al-Rahman was 161 00:08:55,879 --> 00:08:58,879 A partner of Abu Hanifah in some of his trade. 162 00:08:59,879 --> 00:09:03,940 Abu Hanifah would prepare silk goods for him, 163 00:09:03,940 --> 00:09:07,940 And send them with him to some of the cities of Iraq. 164 00:09:07,940 --> 00:09:11,940 Once, he prepared a large amount of goods for him, 165 00:09:11,940 --> 00:09:15,940 And informed him that there were defects in such-and-such a garment. 166 00:09:15,940 --> 00:09:19,940 He said to him, "When you intend to sell them, 167 00:09:19,940 --> 00:09:22,940 Inform the buyer of the defect in them." 168 00:09:22,940 --> 00:09:26,100 Hafs sold all the goods, 169 00:09:26,100 --> 00:09:29,100 And forgot to inform the buyers 170 00:09:29,100 --> 00:09:32,100 Of the defects in the faulty garments. 171 00:09:32,100 --> 00:09:35,100 He exerted himself to remember the men 172 00:09:35,100 --> 00:09:38,100 To whom he had sold the faulty garments, 173 00:09:38,100 --> 00:09:40,200 But he did not succeed. 174 00:09:40,200 --> 00:09:43,200 When Abu Hanifah learned of the matter, 175 00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:46,200 And was unable to identify those 176 00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:48,200 Who had been wronged, 177 00:09:48,200 --> 00:09:50,200 He could not find peace, 178 00:09:50,200 --> 00:09:52,200 And his soul was not at rest until he gave away 179 00:09:52,200 --> 00:09:55,649 The entire price of the goods in charity. 180 00:09:55,649 --> 00:09:57,649 Abu Hanifah was, 181 00:09:57,649 --> 00:09:59,649 Above all of that, 182 00:09:59,649 --> 00:10:01,649 Pleasant in company, 183 00:10:01,649 --> 00:10:03,649 Sweet in conversation, 184 00:10:03,649 --> 00:10:05,649 His companion would be happy with him, 185 00:10:05,649 --> 00:10:07,649 And those who were absent from him would not suffer, 186 00:10:07,649 --> 00:10:09,649 Even if they were his enemies. 187 00:10:09,649 --> 00:10:12,870 One of his companions narrated, saying: 188 00:10:12,870 --> 00:10:14,870 "I heard Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak 189 00:10:14,870 --> 00:10:17,870 Say to Sufyan al-Thawri, 190 00:10:17,870 --> 00:10:19,870 'O Abu Abd Allah, 191 00:10:19,870 --> 00:10:22,870 How far is Abu Hanifah from backbiting! 192 00:10:22,870 --> 00:10:24,870 For I have never heard him 193 00:10:24,870 --> 00:10:28,100 Mention an enemy of his with evil at all.'" 194 00:10:28,100 --> 00:10:30,100 Sufyan said to him, 195 00:10:30,100 --> 00:10:33,100 "Abu Hanifah is too wise to allow 196 00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:36,100 His good deeds to be taken away." 197 00:10:36,100 --> 00:10:40,080 Abu Hanifah was 198 00:10:40,080 --> 00:10:43,080 Keen on capturing people’s affection, 199 00:10:43,080 --> 00:10:46,080 He was keen to maintain their friendship. 200 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:48,080 For it was known of him 201 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:50,080 that a man might pass by him 202 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:52,080 from among the people, 203 00:10:52,080 --> 00:10:54,080 and sit in his gathering without prior intent, 204 00:10:54,080 --> 00:10:56,080 nor any prior acquaintance. 205 00:10:56,080 --> 00:10:59,080 Yet, when the man would leave, he would inquire about him. 206 00:10:59,080 --> 00:11:02,080 If the man were in need, he would assist him. 207 00:11:02,080 --> 00:11:05,080 If he were ill, he would visit him. 208 00:11:05,080 --> 00:11:09,080 And if he had a request, he would fulfill it, 209 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:13,240 until he drew the person into a lasting bond with him. 210 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:17,240 Before all of that, Abu Hanifah was, 211 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:19,240 and above all of that, 212 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:22,240 a man who fasted by day and stood in prayer by night, 213 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:24,240 a constant companion to the Qur'an, 214 00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:27,340 and one who sought forgiveness in the hours before dawn. 215 00:11:27,340 --> 00:11:30,340 Among the reasons for his deep immersion in worship 216 00:11:30,340 --> 00:11:32,340 and his dedication to it 217 00:11:32,340 --> 00:11:36,340 was that he once approached a group of people 218 00:11:36,340 --> 00:11:39,340 and heard them saying, 219 00:11:39,340 --> 00:11:41,340 "This man whom you see 220 00:11:41,340 --> 00:11:43,690 does not sleep at night." 221 00:11:43,690 --> 00:11:46,690 No sooner had their words touched his ears 222 00:11:46,690 --> 00:11:48,690 than he said, 223 00:11:48,690 --> 00:11:51,690 "I am in the eyes of the people different from what I am 224 00:11:51,690 --> 00:11:53,690 in the sight of Allah. 225 00:11:53,690 --> 00:11:58,690 By Allah, people shall not speak of me from this hour forth with what I do not do. 226 00:11:58,690 --> 00:12:02,690 I shall not lay my head upon a bed at night from this day on, 227 00:12:02,690 --> 00:12:04,690 until I meet Allah." 228 00:12:04,690 --> 00:12:08,690 From that day, he committed himself to standing in prayer for the entire night. 229 00:12:08,690 --> 00:12:12,690 When darkness cast its veil over the universe, 230 00:12:12,690 --> 00:12:15,690 and people surrendered their sides to their beds, 231 00:12:15,690 --> 00:12:18,690 he would rise and put on his finest clothes, 232 00:12:18,690 --> 00:12:22,690 comb his beard, apply perfume, and adorn himself. 233 00:12:22,690 --> 00:12:25,690 Then he would stand in his prayer niche, 234 00:12:25,690 --> 00:12:27,690 spending his night in devout obedience, 235 00:12:27,690 --> 00:12:31,690 or bowing his back over the verses of the Qur'an, 236 00:12:31,690 --> 00:12:34,690 or raising his hands in humble supplication. 237 00:12:34,690 --> 00:12:39,779 He would sometimes recite the entire Qur'an in a single rak'ah, 238 00:12:39,779 --> 00:12:43,779 and at other times, he would spend the entire night reciting a single verse. 239 00:12:43,779 --> 00:12:46,879 It is narrated that he spent the whole night 240 00:12:46,879 --> 00:12:50,879 repeating the words of the Almighty, 241 00:12:50,879 --> 00:12:54,009 "Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time, 242 00:12:54,009 --> 00:12:57,009 and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter." 243 00:12:57,009 --> 00:13:00,009 "Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time, 244 00:13:00,009 --> 00:13:03,009 and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter." 245 00:13:03,009 --> 00:13:06,009 He would weep out of fear of Allah with a weeping 246 00:13:06,009 --> 00:13:09,009 that would rend the very heartstrings, 247 00:13:09,009 --> 00:13:15,149 sobbing with a hoarse cry that would break the soul. 248 00:13:15,149 --> 00:13:20,149 It was known of him that he performed the Fajr prayer with the wudu of Isha 249 00:13:20,149 --> 00:13:22,149 for about forty years, 250 00:13:22,149 --> 00:13:26,279 never once failing to do so during that time. 251 00:13:26,279 --> 00:13:30,279 And that he completed the Qur'an in the very place where he passed away 252 00:13:30,279 --> 00:13:33,309 seven thousand times. 253 00:13:33,309 --> 00:13:36,309 When he would recite Surah al-Zalzalah, 254 00:13:36,309 --> 00:13:39,309 his skin would tremble and his heart would quake. 255 00:13:39,309 --> 00:13:43,309 He would take hold of his beard and begin to say, 256 00:13:43,309 --> 00:13:47,309 "O You who rewards the weight of an atom of good with good, 257 00:13:47,309 --> 00:13:52,309 and O You who rewards the weight of an atom of evil with evil, 258 00:13:52,309 --> 00:13:55,309 save Your servant al-Nu'man from the Fire, 259 00:13:55,309 --> 00:14:00,309 and distance him from that which brings him closer to it, 260 00:14:00,309 --> 00:14:05,309 and admit him into Your vast mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful." 261 00:14:05,309 --> 00:14:18,139 I have not seen anyone more intelligent, more virtuous, or more pious than Abu Hanifah. 262 00:14:18,139 --> 00:14:20,139 Yazid ibn Harun [said this], 263 00:14:20,139 --> 00:14:26,600 in stance and in example, 264 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:31,600 following the Messenger whether in his striving or his speech. 265 00:14:31,600 --> 00:14:36,600 They were here, watering our lives like rain clouds, 266 00:14:36,600 --> 00:14:41,600 and so, among us, their memory remains exalted. 267 00:14:41,600 --> 00:14:46,600 They departed, leaving behind a question in the conscience: 268 00:14:46,600 --> 00:14:51,600 Is there any star like them that has risen and shone? 269 00:14:51,600 --> 00:14:56,600 They filled life with pride through their deeds, 270 00:14:56,600 --> 00:15:00,600 and the world of humanity flourished because of them.