WEBVTT 00:00:00.430 --> 00:00:03.430 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:03.430 --> 00:00:08.429 The best of generations in their conduct and example. 00:00:08.429 --> 00:00:13.429 Following the Messenger, peace be upon him, in his striving and his speech. 00:00:13.429 --> 00:00:15.429 A society of affection. 00:00:15.429 --> 00:00:17.429 Proceeding. 00:00:17.429 --> 00:00:21.429 Portraits from the lives of the Tabi'un. 00:00:21.429 --> 00:00:25.820 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha. 00:00:25.820 --> 00:00:27.820 May Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:27.820 --> 00:00:32.929 Abu Hanifah al-Nu'man. 00:00:32.929 --> 00:00:34.929 May Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:44.600 He was of a handsome face and a striking appearance. 00:00:44.600 --> 00:00:47.600 Eloquent in speech and pleasant in conversation. 00:00:47.600 --> 00:00:49.600 He was not excessively tall. 00:00:49.600 --> 00:00:53.600 Nor was he short, such that the eyes would turn away from him. 00:00:53.600 --> 00:00:57.759 Beyond that, he was a man who dressed in elegant clothing. 00:00:58.759 --> 00:01:01.759 He had a radiant appearance and used perfume generously. 00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:03.759 Whenever he appeared before people, 00:01:03.759 --> 00:01:06.760 They would recognize him by his fragrance before they even saw him. 00:01:06.760 --> 00:01:10.760 That is al-Nu'man ibn Thabit ibn al-Marzuban, 00:01:10.760 --> 00:01:13.760 Known by the kunya Abu Hanifah. 00:01:13.760 --> 00:01:16.760 He was the first to unfold the blossoms of fiqh, 00:01:16.760 --> 00:01:21.519 And extract from them the most exquisite of scents. 00:01:21.519 --> 00:01:26.519 Abu Hanifah lived through the end of the Umayyad era, 00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:29.519 And the beginning of the Abbasid era. 00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:33.519 He lived in a time when the caliphs and governors were lavish 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:36.519 In their generosity toward those of talent, 00:01:36.519 --> 00:01:40.519 To the point that their sustenance came to them easily from every place, 00:01:40.519 --> 00:01:42.519 Without them even realizing it. 00:01:42.519 --> 00:01:47.519 However, Abu Hanifah honored his knowledge and his own soul too much for that, 00:01:47.519 --> 00:01:51.519 And he resolved to live only from the earnings of his own hands, 00:01:51.519 --> 00:01:55.870 And that his hand would always be the upper one. 00:01:55.870 --> 00:01:58.870 Once, al-Mansur asked to visit him. 00:01:58.870 --> 00:02:00.870 When he arrived at his place, 00:02:00.870 --> 00:02:04.870 He showed him great honor, respect, and welcome, 00:02:04.870 --> 00:02:06.870 And brought him close to his own seat. 00:02:06.870 --> 00:02:11.870 He began asking him about many matters of religion and worldly affairs. 00:02:11.870 --> 00:02:14.939 When he intended to leave, 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:18.939 He handed him a bag containing thirty thousand dirhams, 00:02:18.939 --> 00:02:22.939 Despite al-Mansur’s well-known stinginess. 00:02:22.939 --> 00:02:24.939 Abu Hanifah said to him, 00:02:24.939 --> 00:02:26.939 "O Commander of the Faithful, 00:02:26.939 --> 00:02:29.939 I am a stranger in Baghdad, 00:02:29.939 --> 00:02:32.939 And this money has no place with me, 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:34.939 And I fear for it, 00:02:34.939 --> 00:02:37.939 So keep it for me in the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal), 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:40.939 Until I need it, at which point I will ask you for it." 00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:44.099 Al-Mansur granted his request. 00:02:44.099 --> 00:02:48.099 However, life did not last long for Abu Hanifah after that. 00:02:48.099 --> 00:02:51.129 When his time came, 00:02:51.129 --> 00:02:57.129 There were found in his house deposits belonging to people that exceeded many times that amount. 00:02:57.129 --> 00:03:00.259 When al-Mansur heard of this, he said, 00:03:00.259 --> 00:03:03.259 "May Allah have mercy on Abu Hanifah, 00:03:03.259 --> 00:03:04.259 For he deceived us, 00:03:04.259 --> 00:03:07.259 And refused to take anything from us, 00:03:07.259 --> 00:03:10.259 And was subtle in turning us away." 00:03:10.259 --> 00:03:11.259 And it is no wonder, 00:03:11.259 --> 00:03:14.259 For Abu Hanifah was certain that 00:03:14.259 --> 00:03:17.259 No person ever ate a morsel more wholesome, 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:21.259 Nor more honorable, than a morsel earned by the work of his own hands. 00:03:21.259 --> 00:03:26.259 Therefore, we find him dedicating a portion of his time to trade. 00:03:26.259 --> 00:03:30.259 He began trading in silk and fine fabrics. 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:35.259 His trade went back and forth between the cities of Iraq. 00:03:35.259 --> 00:03:39.259 He had a well-known shop that people would seek out, 00:03:39.259 --> 00:03:42.259 Where they would find honesty in transactions, 00:03:42.259 --> 00:03:45.259 And integrity in taking and giving. 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:50.259 There is no doubt that they also found high taste there. 00:03:50.259 --> 00:03:55.259 His trade brought him abundant goodness, 00:03:55.259 --> 00:03:59.259 And bestowed upon him much wealth from the bounty of Allah. 00:03:59.259 --> 00:04:04.379 He would take wealth from its lawful source and place it in its proper place. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:08.379 It was known that whenever a year passed, 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:11.379 He would calculate the profits from his trade, 00:04:11.379 --> 00:04:14.379 Keep what was sufficient for his own expenses, 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, 00:04:19.449 --> 00:04:24.509 As well as the jurists and students of knowledge, providing their food and clothing. 00:04:24.509 --> 00:04:29.509 He would allocate a sum of cash for each of them, 00:04:29.509 --> 00:04:32.509 And hand it all to them, saying, 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. 00:04:38.509 --> 00:04:42.509 By Allah, I have not given you anything from my own wealth, 00:04:42.509 --> 00:04:45.509 It is only the bounty of Allah upon me for your sake, 00:04:45.509 --> 00:04:50.509 For in the provision of Allah, there is no power for anyone other than Allah." 00:04:50.509 --> 00:04:58.300 The news of Abu Hanifah’s generosity and magnanimity spread far and wide, 00:04:58.300 --> 00:05:01.300 Especially with his companions and associates. 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, 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:12.300 "I am in need of a silk garment, O Abu Hanifah." 00:05:12.300 --> 00:05:16.430 Abu Hanifah asked him, "What color?" 00:05:16.430 --> 00:05:19.430 He replied, "Such and such." 00:05:19.430 --> 00:05:24.500 He said, "Be patient until I find one, and I will get it for you." 00:05:24.500 --> 00:05:29.500 By the time the week had passed, he had found the requested garment. 00:05:29.500 --> 00:05:33.500 His companion passed by, and Abu Hanifah said to him, 00:05:33.500 --> 00:05:36.500 "I have found what you needed." 00:05:36.500 --> 00:05:38.500 And he brought out the garment for him. 00:05:38.500 --> 00:05:40.500 He liked it and asked, 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:43.500 "How much should I pay your assistant for it?" 00:05:43.500 --> 00:05:45.500 He replied, "One dirham." 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:48.500 The man said in astonishment, 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:50.500 "One dirham?" 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:53.500 Abu Hanifah said, "Yes." 00:05:53.500 --> 00:05:55.500 The man said to him, 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:59.500 "I did not think you would mock me, O Abu Hanifah." 00:05:59.500 --> 00:06:01.500 Abu Hanifah replied, 00:06:01.500 --> 00:06:03.500 "I have not mocked you, 00:06:03.500 --> 00:06:06.500 I bought this garment and another one with it 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:08.500 For twenty gold dinars. 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:10.500 [I sold the first for twenty dinars and] one silver dirham. 00:06:10.500 --> 00:06:14.500 I have already sold one of the two garments for twenty gold dinars, 00:06:14.500 --> 00:06:17.500 And this one remains with me for one dirham. 00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:21.500 And I would never seek profit from my companion." 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:25.529 An old woman came to him seeking a silk garment, 00:06:25.529 --> 00:06:27.529 And he brought out the requested garment for her. 00:06:27.529 --> 00:06:29.529 She said to him, 00:06:29.529 --> 00:06:31.529 "I am an old woman, 00:06:31.529 --> 00:06:33.529 And I have no knowledge of prices, 00:06:33.529 --> 00:06:35.529 And this is a matter of trust, 00:06:35.529 --> 00:06:38.529 So sell me the garment for what it cost you, 00:06:38.529 --> 00:06:41.529 And add a little profit to it, 00:06:41.529 --> 00:06:43.529 For I am weak." 00:06:43.529 --> 00:06:45.529 He said to her, 00:06:45.529 --> 00:06:49.529 "I bought two garments in a single transaction, 00:06:49.529 --> 00:06:52.529 Then I sold one of them for the cost price, 00:06:52.529 --> 00:06:54.529 Except for four dirhams. 00:06:54.529 --> 00:06:56.529 So take it for that, 00:06:56.529 --> 00:06:59.620 And I do not want any profit from you." 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:04.660 One day, he saw ragged clothes on one of his companions. 00:07:04.660 --> 00:07:06.660 When the people had left, 00:07:06.660 --> 00:07:09.660 And no one remained in the gathering except him and the man, 00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:10.660 He said to him, 00:07:10.660 --> 00:07:12.660 "Lift this prayer mat, 00:07:12.660 --> 00:07:14.660 And take what is underneath it." 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:16.660 The man lifted the mat, 00:07:16.660 --> 00:07:19.660 And there were a thousand dirhams underneath it. 00:07:19.660 --> 00:07:21.660 Abu Hanifah said to him, 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:24.660 "Take it and improve your situation with it." 00:07:24.660 --> 00:07:26.720 The man said, 00:07:26.720 --> 00:07:28.720 "I am well-off, 00:07:28.720 --> 00:07:30.720 And Allah has blessed me, 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:32.720 And I have no need for it." 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:34.720 Abu Hanifah said to him, 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:37.720 "If Allah has blessed you, 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:39.720 Then where are the traces of His blessing? 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: 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:50.720 'Indeed, Allah loves to see the trace of His blessing upon His servant.' 00:07:50.720 --> 00:07:53.720 So you should improve your situation, 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:58.899 So that you do not sadden your friend." 00:07:58.899 --> 00:08:02.899 The generosity of Abu Hanifah and his kindness to people reached such a point 00:08:02.899 --> 00:08:06.899 That whenever he spent on his family, 00:08:06.899 --> 00:08:10.899 He would give the same amount in charity to others in need. 00:08:10.899 --> 00:08:13.899 And whenever he wore a new garment, 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:16.899 He would clothe the poor with the equivalent of its price. 00:08:16.899 --> 00:08:19.930 And when food was placed before him, 00:08:19.930 --> 00:08:23.930 He would set aside double what he usually ate, 00:08:23.930 --> 00:08:25.930 And give it to the poor. 00:08:25.930 --> 00:08:28.089 Among the things narrated about him 00:08:28.089 --> 00:08:31.089 Is that he made a covenant with himself 00:08:31.089 --> 00:08:34.090 That he would not swear by Allah during his speech 00:08:34.090 --> 00:08:37.090 Without giving a silver dirham in charity. 00:08:37.090 --> 00:08:40.179 Then he progressed in the matter, 00:08:40.179 --> 00:08:43.179 And made a covenant with himself that if he swore by Allah, 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:46.179 He would give a gold dinar in charity. 00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:51.179 So whenever he swore truthfully, he would give a dinar. 00:08:51.179 --> 00:08:55.879 Hafs ibn Abd al-Rahman was 00:08:55.879 --> 00:08:58.879 A partner of Abu Hanifah in some of his trade. 00:08:59.879 --> 00:09:03.940 Abu Hanifah would prepare silk goods for him, 00:09:03.940 --> 00:09:07.940 And send them with him to some of the cities of Iraq. 00:09:07.940 --> 00:09:11.940 Once, he prepared a large amount of goods for him, 00:09:11.940 --> 00:09:15.940 And informed him that there were defects in such-and-such a garment. 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:19.940 He said to him, "When you intend to sell them, 00:09:19.940 --> 00:09:22.940 Inform the buyer of the defect in them." 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:26.100 Hafs sold all the goods, 00:09:26.100 --> 00:09:29.100 And forgot to inform the buyers 00:09:29.100 --> 00:09:32.100 Of the defects in the faulty garments. 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:35.100 He exerted himself to remember the men 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:38.100 To whom he had sold the faulty garments, 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:40.200 But he did not succeed. 00:09:40.200 --> 00:09:43.200 When Abu Hanifah learned of the matter, 00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:46.200 And was unable to identify those 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:48.200 Who had been wronged, 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:50.200 He could not find peace, 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:52.200 And his soul was not at rest until he gave away 00:09:52.200 --> 00:09:55.649 The entire price of the goods in charity. 00:09:55.649 --> 00:09:57.649 Abu Hanifah was, 00:09:57.649 --> 00:09:59.649 Above all of that, 00:09:59.649 --> 00:10:01.649 Pleasant in company, 00:10:01.649 --> 00:10:03.649 Sweet in conversation, 00:10:03.649 --> 00:10:05.649 His companion would be happy with him, 00:10:05.649 --> 00:10:07.649 And those who were absent from him would not suffer, 00:10:07.649 --> 00:10:09.649 Even if they were his enemies. 00:10:09.649 --> 00:10:12.870 One of his companions narrated, saying: 00:10:12.870 --> 00:10:14.870 "I heard Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak 00:10:14.870 --> 00:10:17.870 Say to Sufyan al-Thawri, 00:10:17.870 --> 00:10:19.870 'O Abu Abd Allah, 00:10:19.870 --> 00:10:22.870 How far is Abu Hanifah from backbiting! 00:10:22.870 --> 00:10:24.870 For I have never heard him 00:10:24.870 --> 00:10:28.100 Mention an enemy of his with evil at all.'" 00:10:28.100 --> 00:10:30.100 Sufyan said to him, 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:33.100 "Abu Hanifah is too wise to allow 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:36.100 His good deeds to be taken away." 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:40.080 Abu Hanifah was 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:43.080 Keen on capturing people’s affection, 00:10:43.080 --> 00:10:46.080 He was keen to maintain their friendship. 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:48.080 For it was known of him 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:50.080 that a man might pass by him 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:52.080 from among the people, 00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:54.080 and sit in his gathering without prior intent, 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:56.080 nor any prior acquaintance. 00:10:56.080 --> 00:10:59.080 Yet, when the man would leave, he would inquire about him. 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:02.080 If the man were in need, he would assist him. 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:05.080 If he were ill, he would visit him. 00:11:05.080 --> 00:11:09.080 And if he had a request, he would fulfill it, 00:11:09.080 --> 00:11:13.240 until he drew the person into a lasting bond with him. 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:17.240 Before all of that, Abu Hanifah was, 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:19.240 and above all of that, 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:22.240 a man who fasted by day and stood in prayer by night, 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:24.240 a constant companion to the Qur'an, 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:27.340 and one who sought forgiveness in the hours before dawn. 00:11:27.340 --> 00:11:30.340 Among the reasons for his deep immersion in worship 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:32.340 and his dedication to it 00:11:32.340 --> 00:11:36.340 was that he once approached a group of people 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:39.340 and heard them saying, 00:11:39.340 --> 00:11:41.340 "This man whom you see 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:43.690 does not sleep at night." 00:11:43.690 --> 00:11:46.690 No sooner had their words touched his ears 00:11:46.690 --> 00:11:48.690 than he said, 00:11:48.690 --> 00:11:51.690 "I am in the eyes of the people different from what I am 00:11:51.690 --> 00:11:53.690 in the sight of Allah. 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. 00:11:58.690 --> 00:12:02.690 I shall not lay my head upon a bed at night from this day on, 00:12:02.690 --> 00:12:04.690 until I meet Allah." 00:12:04.690 --> 00:12:08.690 From that day, he committed himself to standing in prayer for the entire night. 00:12:08.690 --> 00:12:12.690 When darkness cast its veil over the universe, 00:12:12.690 --> 00:12:15.690 and people surrendered their sides to their beds, 00:12:15.690 --> 00:12:18.690 he would rise and put on his finest clothes, 00:12:18.690 --> 00:12:22.690 comb his beard, apply perfume, and adorn himself. 00:12:22.690 --> 00:12:25.690 Then he would stand in his prayer niche, 00:12:25.690 --> 00:12:27.690 spending his night in devout obedience, 00:12:27.690 --> 00:12:31.690 or bowing his back over the verses of the Qur'an, 00:12:31.690 --> 00:12:34.690 or raising his hands in humble supplication. 00:12:34.690 --> 00:12:39.779 He would sometimes recite the entire Qur'an in a single rak'ah, 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:43.779 and at other times, he would spend the entire night reciting a single verse. 00:12:43.779 --> 00:12:46.879 It is narrated that he spent the whole night 00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:50.879 repeating the words of the Almighty, 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:54.009 "Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time, 00:12:54.009 --> 00:12:57.009 and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter." 00:12:57.009 --> 00:13:00.009 "Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time, 00:13:00.009 --> 00:13:03.009 and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter." 00:13:03.009 --> 00:13:06.009 He would weep out of fear of Allah with a weeping 00:13:06.009 --> 00:13:09.009 that would rend the very heartstrings, 00:13:09.009 --> 00:13:15.149 sobbing with a hoarse cry that would break the soul. 00:13:15.149 --> 00:13:20.149 It was known of him that he performed the Fajr prayer with the wudu of Isha 00:13:20.149 --> 00:13:22.149 for about forty years, 00:13:22.149 --> 00:13:26.279 never once failing to do so during that time. 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:30.279 And that he completed the Qur'an in the very place where he passed away 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:33.309 seven thousand times. 00:13:33.309 --> 00:13:36.309 When he would recite Surah al-Zalzalah, 00:13:36.309 --> 00:13:39.309 his skin would tremble and his heart would quake. 00:13:39.309 --> 00:13:43.309 He would take hold of his beard and begin to say, 00:13:43.309 --> 00:13:47.309 "O You who rewards the weight of an atom of good with good, 00:13:47.309 --> 00:13:52.309 and O You who rewards the weight of an atom of evil with evil, 00:13:52.309 --> 00:13:55.309 save Your servant al-Nu'man from the Fire, 00:13:55.309 --> 00:14:00.309 and distance him from that which brings him closer to it, 00:14:00.309 --> 00:14:05.309 and admit him into Your vast mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful." 00:14:05.309 --> 00:14:18.139 I have not seen anyone more intelligent, more virtuous, or more pious than Abu Hanifah. 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:20.139 Yazid ibn Harun [said this], 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:26.600 in stance and in example, 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:31.600 following the Messenger whether in his striving or his speech. 00:14:31.600 --> 00:14:36.600 They were here, watering our lives like rain clouds, 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:41.600 and so, among us, their memory remains exalted. 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:46.600 They departed, leaving behind a question in the conscience: 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:51.600 Is there any star like them that has risen and shone? 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:56.600 They filled life with pride through their deeds, 00:14:56.600 --> 00:15:00.600 and the world of humanity flourished because of them.