MUSLIM CONTRIBUTIONS

MUSLIM CONTRIBUTIONS

Muslim Contributions on :

 Natural Sciences
 Human Sciences
 Law and Jurisprudence
Natural Sciences
 Muslim Contribution

 AI- Haitham (Optic & physic)
 Ibn Sina (Medicine & Philosophy)
 Al-Biruni (Astronomy & philosophy)
 Al-Razi (Chemistry & Medicine)
 Ibn Hayyan (Chemistry )
 Al-Khawarizmi (mathematics & astronomy)
 Al-Zahrawi (Surgery / medicine)
 Al-Tabari (Medicine)
 Ibn Zuhri (Medicine)

Ibn aI-Haitham
965 – 1040 C.E
'Father of Modern Optic'

Ibn al-Haitham
 Bibliography

 Abu Ali Hasan Ibn AI- Haitham
 Born in 965 CE in Bashrah
 Was educated in Basrah, Baghdad, Egypt and Spain.
 Known in west as AI-Hazen
 Great Physicist and Investigator of Optics, mathematics and medicine.
 Also known as the ‘Father of Modern Optic’.
Ibn al-Haitham
 Contribution

 Books :
 Kitab AI- Manadhir ( Optical Thesaurus)
 Mizan AI-Hikmah (density of the Atmosphere )
 The list of his books runs to 200 or so, very few of which have survived.

 Field:
 Physic- Optics
 Medicine
 Mathematics
 Astronomy
Ibn al-Haitham

 Contribution

Physic- Optics
 His book in Physic- Optic: Kitab AI- Manadhir ( Optical Thesaurus)

 Anatomy and Physiology of eye.

 He is the first describe accurately every parts of the eye and binocular vision.
 Traces the function of the eye from the optic nerve.

 He discover the low of refraction

 He carried out the first examination on the dispersion of light into its constituent color.
Ibn al-Haitham

 Contribution

 He comprise the systematic observation of the physical phenomenon and the linkage with science theory.

 Kitab al-Manadhir was translated in Latin.

 dealing with the colours of sunset, shadows, eclipses, the rainbow and speculated on the physical nature of light.

 Gave a correct explanation of the apparent increase in size of the sun and the moon when near the horizon.

 He is known for the earliest use of the camera obscura
Ibn al-Haitham

 Contribution

 He contradicted the Ptolemy's and Euclid's theory.

 Ptolemy's and Euclid's theory : “Vision of the object are seen by rays of light emitting from the eyes”.

 AI - Haitham said: “The ray originated in the object of the vision not in the eye".

 His theory led to the invention of magnifying lens in Italy influence upon Western Science e.g on the work of Roger Bacon and Kepler.
Ibn al-Haitham

 Contribution

 Mathematics-physics

 He developed analytical geometry by establishing linkage between Algebra and Geometry.

 He also studied the mechanics of motion of a body.

 He was the first to maintain that a body moves perpetually unless an external force stop it or changes its direction of motion.

Ibn al-Haitham

 Contribution

 Astronomy

 His book:Mizan AI - Hikmah (density of the Atmosphere)
 has discussed the density of the atmosphere and developed a relation between it and the height.

 He also studied atmospheric refraction.

 He has also discussed the theories of attraction between masses, and it seems that he was aware of the magnitude of acceleration due to gravity.
Ibn al-Haitham

 Conclusion

 Ibn AI- Haitham’s influence on physical sciences in general and optics in particular.

 Carried out optical research, that been used in this new era in both theory and practical.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna)
981 CE- 1037 CE
'Doctor of the Doctors'

Ibn Sina
 Bibliography

 Abu Ali AI- Hussain Ibn Abdallah Ibn Sina.

 Born in 981 C.E. at Afshana near the Bukhara ( Uzbekistan)

 Known in Europe as Avicenna.

 Age 10- Become well versed in study of AI-Quran and various sciences.

 Study Philosophy from Abu Abdullah Natili (famous philosopher at that time)
Ibn Sina
 Bibliography

 While still young, he attained a degree of expertise in medicine.

 Age 17- he treat and fortunate curing Nooh Ibn Mansoor, The King of Bukhara. The king wished to reward him, but he only desired to use his uniquely stocked library.

 Age20-his father dead. Ibn Sina left Bukhara- travel to Jurjan and met with AI- Biruni.

 He than move to Ray and than to Hamadan.

Ibn Sina
 Bibliography

 At Hamadan, he started writing His book 'AI- Qanun Fi AI- Tibb '( The Law of Medicine)

 He treated the King of Hamadan (Shamsul aI- Daulah) from severe colic.

 Then he moved to Isphahan( Iran), finished and completed his writing.

 He also wrote ‘Kitab AI- Shifa’ ( book of Healing)

 He than returned back to Hamadan and died in 1037 C.E.
Ibn Sina
 Books :
 'Al-Qanun fi aI- Tibb'.
 ‘Kitab AI–Shifa`’


 Field:
 He as famous as Physician, Philosopher, Muslim jurisprudence, Encyclopedist, Mathematician and Astronomer.

 His Major Contribution is in Medical Sciences in His famous book - 'Al-Qanun fi al- Tibb'. In west known as ‘ Canon' .

 He wrote about 250 books and 166 out of them are related to Medical.
Ibn Sina
 Contribution

 AI- Qanun fi AI- Tibb '( The Law of Medicine)

 An giant encyclopedia of medicine.

 Remained supreme for 6 Centuries. Consist of:
- Over million words.
- Is arranged in systematic way.
- Important original contribution in recognition of the Phthisis and Tuberculosis
- In Pharmacology methods, he described about 760 drugs.
- First person describe Meningitis, Anatomy, Gynecology and Child Health.
Ibn Sina
 Contribution

 AI- Qanun fi AI- Tibb

 Describe every diseases from head to toe in detail.

 1st scientist discovered about anatomy of eye (Retina, Cornea, Sclera, Choroids, iris etc).

 1st scientist gave general principal of medicines includes Anatomy, hygiene, treatment, disease and therapeutics.

 Dealt with symptoms, diagnosis and prognosis.
Ibn Sina
 Contribution

 AI- Qanun fi AI- Tibb

 The Qanun points out the importance of dietetics, the influence of climate and environment on health and the surgical use of oral anaesthetics.

 He advised surgeons to treat cancer in its earliest stages, ensuring the removal of all diseased tissue.

 The arabic text of al-Qanun was published in Rome (1593) and was one of the earliest Arabic books to see print. It was also translated into Latin by Gerald of Cremona (12 C.E)
Ibn Sina
 Contribution

 AI- Qanun fi AI- Tibb

 He noted the close relationship between emotions and the physical condition and felt that music had a definite physical and psychological effect on patients.

 Of the many psychological disorders that he described in al-Qanun, one is of unusual interest; love sickness.

 The great doctor had a remedy : unite the sufferer with the beloved.
Ibn Sina
 Contribution

 Kitab AI –Shifa ( book of Healing)

 In Philosophy, Ibn Sina wrote: Kitab AI- Shifa` Describe the field of knowledge from Philosophy to Sciences.

 Ibn Sina classified the field into 2:
- Theoretical Knowledge
- Practical Knowledge

 Established 4 dimensions of Philosophical System (Logic, Physic, Metaphysic and Sufism)

 He reformulated the purely rational tradition of (Greek) within religious system of Islam.

Ibn Sina

 Contribution

 Mathematics

 Casting out the application of the variation of squares and cubes.

 He made several astronomical observations and devised a contrivance similar to the vernier, to increase the precision of instrumental readings.
Ibn Sina
 Contribution

 Physic

 Concept of different form of energy, heat, light and mechanical
 Concept of vacuum, force, and infinity.

 He made the important observation that is the perception of light is due to the emission of sort of particles by the luminous source, the speed of light must be finite.

 The profounder-The inter connection between time and motion, gravity and air thermo- meter.
Ibn Sina

 Conclusion

 Ibn Sina was a great Physician, Philosopher, Encyclopedist, Mathematician and Astronomer.

 Major Contribution is in Medical Sciences in His famous book - 'Al-Qanun fi aI- Tibb'. In west known as Canon' .

 In Philosophy- ‘Kitab AI- Shifa’ ;Philosophical Encylopedia

AI- Biruni
937 CE- 1048 CE
‘father of Astronomy '.

Al-Biruni
 Bibliography

 Abu Raihan Mohammad Ibn Ahmad AI- Biruni

 Was born in city of Kheva near Ural river, capital of the Khawarizm (Turkistan) in 937 C.E (362H)

 He is contemporary of well- known physician Ibn Sina.

 When he is 20, Sultan Mahmood Ghaznawi conquered his homeland. Sultan took him along in his journey to India.

 AI- Biruni learnt Hindu Philosophy, Mathematics, geography, religion from the Pandits.

 He learnt Sanskrit and died in 1048 CE.
Al-Biruni
 Books :

 'Kltab AI- Hind'.
 Qanun- al Masoodi (AI-Qanun al-Mas’udifi al - Haia wa al- Nujum),
 AI- Athar AI- Baqia
 Kitab al- Jamahir
 Kitab -AI- Saidina
 AI- Tafhim li- Awail Sina'at al-Tanjim

 Field:

 Astronomy, anthropology, cosmology, astrology, physics, mineralogy, pharmacology and history
Al-Biruni
 Contribution

 He recorded observation of his travels in 'Kitab aI- Hind'. - About the historical and social condition of Indian.

 He translated 2 Sanskrit books into Arabic:
- Sakaya - The creation of things.
- Patanjal- What happens after the spirit leaves the body.

Al-Biruni
 Contribution

 He wrote' Qanun- al Masoodi (AI-Qanun al-Mas’udi, fi al - Haia wa al- Nujum), dedicated for Sultan Masood.

 Contents:
- Theories of Astronomy, trigonometry, solar, lunar, and planetary motion and many more.

 AI- Athar AI- Baqia,:
 Discussed on history of nations, geographical knowledge, rotation of earth and correct values of latitudes and longitudes of various places.
 He also made considerable contribution to several aspects of physical and economic geography in this book.
Al-Biruni

 Contribution

 His scientific contribution is in Sciences (physics, math, Astronomy),

 Kitab al- Jamahir:
- The densities of 18 different stones.
- Deals with the properties of various stones
- Summation of geometric progression concerning the chess game led to the number: 1616 -1= 18,446,744,073,709,551,619.
- He develop method for trisection of angle and other problems which cannot be solved with a ruler and a compass alone.
Al-Biruni

 Contribution

 He questioned, whether the earth rotate around its axis or not.

 He was the first scientist done the experiments related to astronomical phenomenon.

 He stated that the speed of the sound is bigger than the speed of the light.

 He observed that the flowers have 3,4,5,6,18 petals, but never 7 or 9.
Al-Biruni

 Contribution

 Kitab -AI- Saidina.
- Extensive book of medical.
- Combines the existing Arabic Knowledge of the Medicine and the Indian Medicine.
- He wrote more than 150 books.
-
 His book “AI-Tafhim li- Awail Sina'at al-Tanjim” (summary of mathematics and Astronomy).

Al-Biruni
 Conclusion

 AI- Biruni:
- Greatest scientist in Islam
- His critical spirit, love and truth, and scientific approach were combined with the sense of toleration.
- He said: "Allah is Omniscient does not justify ignorance".

Al-Razi
864 C.E – 930 C.E
‘Father of Sciences of Chemistry’
Al-Razi

 Bibliography

 Abu Sakar Muhammad Zakariya al- Razi
 Was born in Ray (Iran)
 Learnt medicine, mathemathics, astronomy, chemistry and philosophy from a student of Hunayn ibn Ishaq .
 Also studied under Ibn Rabban.
 The practical experience gained at the well known Muqtadari hospital helped him in his chosen profession of medicine.
 Known in the West as " Rhazes"
 Great physician, chemist, philosopher - “Father of Science of Chemistry”
Al-Razi

 Books:

 - Kitab al Hawi fi al- Tibb - ( the continents)
 - Kitab al-Mansuri - translated into Latin- 15th century
 - Kitab al- Taqsim al- ‘Ilal ( books of categorization of the causes of disease)
 - Kitab al- Jadri wa al- Hasbah ( treatise of Smallpox and measles)

 Field :
 Medicine , Chemistry and Philosophy.
Al-Razi


 Contribution in Medicine :

 An authority in medicine second to Ibn Sina.

 “Kitab al hawi fi al tibb” is an enormous encyclopedia of medicine documenting his own original observations and experiments

 Discovered the reactions of eye's pupil due to the intensity of light.

 Responsible for differentiating between smallpox and measles (kitab “al-Judari wa al-Hasabah”)
Al-Razi
 Contribution

 First to use alcohol for medical purposes

 Discussion on human anatomy, rheumatism

 Medical system -favored cure through correct and regulated food

 Health -influence of psychological factors.

 Great surgeon - first to use opium for anaesthesia
Al-Razi


 Contribution in Chemistry

 Book: Kitab al- Asrar

 First to described and performed chemical processes known today- 'crystallization', 'distillation', 'calculation‘

 Portrayed a great detail several chemical reactions.

 First to produce Sulfuric acid together with some acids and he also prepared alcohol by fermenting sweet products.

 Divided chemical substances into 3 groups: animal, plants and mineral – valid until today
Al-Razi

 Contribution

 His contribution as a philosopher is also well known.

 The basic elements in his philosophical system are the creator, spirit, matter, space and time as constituting a continuum are outstanding.

 He was a prolific author, who has left monumental treatises on numerous subjects. He as more than 200 outstanding scientific contributions to his credit, out of which about half deal with medicine and 21 concern alchemy. About 40 of his manuscripts are still extant in the museums and libraries of Iran, Paris, Britain and Bankipur.

 He also wrote in physics, mathematics, astronomy and optics.

Jabir Ibn Hayyan
Died 803 C.E
Father of Chemistry

Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Bibliography

 Abu Musa Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Known in the West as "Geber“

 He is reported to have studied under Imam jaafar Sadiq and the Umayyad prince Khalid ibn Yazid.

 In his early days, he practised medicine and was under the patronage of the Barmaki Vizir during the Abbasid Caliphate of Harun al-Rasyid.

 Wrote 100 monumental treatises on chemistry and alchemy

 Books: Kitab al- Kimya and Kitab alSab'een
 Field: Chemistry
Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Contribution

 His various breakthrough - preparation of acid for the first time, notably nitric, hydrochloric, citric and tartaric acids and - emphasize on systematic experimentation

 Introduced experimental investigation into alchemy- which rapidly changed its character into modern chemistry

 On the ruins of his well-known laboratory remained after centuries, but his fame rests on over 100 monumental treatises, of which 22 relate to chemistry and alchemy.
Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Contribution

 His contribution of fundamental importance to chemistry includes perfection of scientific techniques such as crystalization, distillation, calcination, sublimation and evaporation and development of several instruments for the same.

 Preparations of various metal, development of steel, dyeing of cloth and tanning of leather, vanishing of water proof cloth, use of manganese dioxide in glass making, prevention of rusting, lettering in gold, identification of paints, greases, etc.

Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Contribution

 Several technical terms devised by Jabir - "Alkali", are today found in various European languages and has become part of scientific vocabulary
 The name ‘chemistry’ is derived from Arabic word ‘al-Kimya’

 He has describe 3 types of substances:

- Spirits- those which vaporize on heating; camphor, arsenic and ammonium chloride.
- Metals- gold, silver, copper, lead, iron
- Category of compounds which can be converted into powder.
Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Contribution

 Although known as alchemist, he did not seem to have seriously pursued the preparation of noble metal as an alchemist, instead he devoted his effort to the development of basic chemical methods and study of mechanism of chemical reaction in themselves.

 He emphasized that, in chemical reaction, definite quantities of various substances are involved and thus can be said to have paved the way for the law of constant proportions.
Jabir Ibn Hayyan
 Contribution

 A large number of books are included in his corpus.

 Apart from chemistry, he also contributed to other sciences such as medicine and astronomy.

 His book on chemistry including “kitab al-Kimya” and “kitab al-Sab’een” were translated into Latin and various European languages.

Al-Khawarizmi
770 C.E – 840 C.E
“The Founding Father of algebra”

Al-Khawarizmi

 Bibliography

 Abu Abdullah Mohammad Ibn Musa al-Khawarizmi

 Was born at Khawarizm (Kheva), south of Aral sea.

 His parents had migrated to the place south of Baghdad. He flourished under al-Ma`mun at baghdad.

 Known in the West as ‘Algorizm’

 Expert in mathematics (algebra), astronomy and geography.
Al-Khawarizmi
 Books :
 Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wa al-Muqabalah.
 Kitab Tarikh al-Jam’a wal-Tafreeq bil Hisab al-Hindi
 Kitab al-Tarikh
 Kitab al-Rukhmat
 Istikhraj Tarikh al-Yahud
 Kitab Surat al-Ard (Book on the shape of earth)

 Field :
 Mathematics (algebra), astronomy and geography.
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 He was mathematician, astronomer and geographer.

 He was the founder of several branches and basic concepts of mathematics.

 He influenced mathematical thought to a greater extent than any other medieval writer.

 His work on algebra was outstanding. He not only initiated in the subject in systematic form but he also developed it to extent of giving analytical solutions of linier and quadratic questions which established him as the founder of algebra.
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 The name Algebra has been derived from his famous book “al-Jabr wa al-Muqabilah”.

 He explained the use of zero, a numeral of fundamental importance developed by the Arabs.

 Similarly, he developed the decimal system so that the overall system of numerals, ‘algorithm’ or ‘algorizm’ is named after him.

 His Usage of Arabic terms in his writings has great impact upon western institutions such as algorithm (from his name khawarazmi himself)
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 Explaining four basic mathematical operations. i.e. adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing.

 He also developed at length several arithmetical procedures, including operations on fractions.

 It was through his work that the system of numerals was first introduced to Arabs and later to Europe, through its translations in European languages.
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 He developed in detail trigonometric tables containing the sine functions, which were probably extrapolated to tangent functions by Maslama.

 He also perfected the geometric representation of conic sections and developed the calculus of two errors, which practically led him to the concept of differentiation.

 He is also reported to have collaborated in the degree measurements ordered by Mamun al-Rashid were aimed at measuring of volume and circumference of the earth.
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 The development of astronomical tables by him was a significant contribution to the science of astronomy, on which he also wrote a book.

 The contribution of Khawarizmi to geography is also outstanding, in that not only did he revise Ptolemy's views on geography, but also corrected them in detail as well as his map of the world.

 His other contributions include original work related to clocks, sundials and astrolabes.
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 The influence of Khawarizmi on the growth of science, in general, and mathematics, astronomy and geography in particular, is well established in history.

 Several of his books were readily translated into a number of other languages, and, in fact, constituted the university textbooks till the 16th century.

 His approach was systematic and logical, and not only did he bring together the then prevailing knowledge on various branches of science, particularly mathematics, but also enriched it through his original contribution.

 No doubt he has been held in high repute throughout the centuries since then
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 Several of his books were translated into Latin in the early 12th century.

 In fact, his book on arithmetic, Kitab al-Jam'a wal- Tafreeq bil Hisab al-Hindi, was lost in Arabic but survived in a Latin translation.

 His book on algebra, Al-Maqala fi Hisab-al Jabr wa-al- Muqabilah, was also translated into Latin in the 12th century, and it was this translation which introduced this new science to the West "completely unknown till then".
Al-Khawarizmi
 Contribution:

 He astronomical tables were also translated into European languages and, later, into Chinese.

 His geography captioned Kitab Surat-al-Ard, together with its maps, was also translated.

 In addition, he wrote a book on the Jewish calendar Istikhraj Tarikh al-Yahud, and two books on the astrolabe.

 He also wrote Kitab al-Tarikh and his book on sun-dials was captioned Kitab al-Rukhmat, but both of them have been lost.

Al-Zahrawi
936 C.E – 1013 C.E
‘Father of Modern Surgery’
Al-Zahrawi
 Bibliography

 Abu al-Qasim Khalaf ibn al-Abbas al-Zahrawi

 Known in the West as ‘Abulcasis’

 Recognized as ‘Father of Modern Surgery’

 Books : Al-Tasrif

 Field : Medicine / Surgery
Al-Zahrawi
 Contribution:

 Description in detail various aspects of surgical treatment.

 He performed and perfected several delicate operations including removal of dead fetus.

 Al-Tasrif contains, among others, numerous diagrams and illustrations of surgical instruments in use or developed by him.

 Al-Tasrif was first translated by Gherard of Cremona into Latin in the Middle Ages. It was followed by several other editors in Europe.
Al-Zahrawi
 Contribution:

 He was inventor of several surgical instruments, of which three are notable:

 An instrument foe external examination of the ear.
 An instrument for internal inspection of the urethra.
 And instrument for applying or removing foreign bodies from the throat.


Al-Tabari
838 C.E – 870 C.E
Physician, Mathematician, Sociology

Al-Tabari
 Bibliography

 Abu al-Hasan Ali bin Sahl Rabban al-Tabari

 Originally from jew family, later he embraced Islam.

 Zakariya al-Razi (Rhazes) was his student.

 Books : Firdaus al-Hikmah

 Field : Medicine, philosophy, mathematics and astronomy.
Al-Tabari
 Contribution :

 Incorporated for the first time, medical encyclopedia for all branches of medical science in its folds.

 Description of all causes relating to eruption of diseases right from head to toe.


Abu Marwan Ibn Zuhr
1091 C.E - 1161 C.E


Abu Marwan Ibn Zuhr
 Bibliography

 Abu Marwan Abdul Malik Ibn Zuhr

 Known in the west as ‘Avenzoar’

 Books :
 Kitab al-Taisir fi al-Maudawat wa al-Tadbir (Book of Simplification concerning Therapeutics and Diet)
 Kitab al-Iqtisad fi Islah al-Anfus wa al-Ajsad (Book of the Middle Course concerning the Reformation of Soul and the Bodies)
 Kitab al-Aghthiya` (Book on Foodstuffs)

 Field : Medicine
Abu Marwan Ibn Zuhr
 Contribution :

 He described correctly for the first time scabies, the itch mite and may thus be regarded as the first parasitologist.

 He also gave clinical descriptions of mediastinal tumors, intestinal phthisis, inflammation of the middle ear, pericarditis, etc.
Abu Marwan Ibn Zuhr
 Contribution

 His books give in detail pathological conditions followed by therapy, a summary of diseases, therapeutics and hygiene written specially for the benefit of the layman.

 He also described different types of food and drugs and their effect on health.

HUMAN / SOCIAL SCIENCES
HUMAN / SOCIAL SCIENCES

 Ibn Khaldun
 Al-Farabi
 Al-Ghazali


Ibn Khaldun
1332-1395 C.E


Ibn Khaldun
 Bibliography

 Abd al-Rahman Ibn Mohammad is generally known as Ibn Khaldun after a remote ancestor.

 His parents, originally Yemenite Arabs, had settled in Spain, but after the fall of Seville, had migrated to Tunisia.

 He was born in Tunisia in 1332 C.E., where he received his early education and where, still in his teens, he entered the service of the Egyptian ruler Sultan Barquq.

 His thirst for advanced knowledge and a better academic setting soon made him leave this service and migrate to Fez.

 This was followed by a long period of unrest marked by contemporary political rivalries affecting his career.
Ibn Khaldun
 Bibliography

 This turbulent period also included a three year refuge in a small village Qalat Ibn Salama in Algeria, which provided him with the opportunity to write Muqaddimah, the first volume of his world history that won him an immortal place among historians, sociologists and philosophers.

 The uncertainty of his career still continued, with Egypt becoming his final abode where he spent his last 24 years.

 Here he lived a life of fame and respect, marked by his appointment as the Chief Malakite Judge and lecturing at the Al-Azhar University, but envy caused his removal from his high judicial office as many as five times.
Ibn Khaldun

 Books :
 Muqaddimah or 'Prolegomena',
 Kitab al-I'bar
 Al-Tasrif


 Field :
 Philosophy of history and sociology
Ibn Khaldun

 Contribution

 Al-Muqaddimah

 Al- Muqaddimah or 'Prolegomena‘(this is a first volume aimed at an analysis of historical events of world history) was based on Ibn Khaldun's unique approach and original contribution and became a masterpiece in literature on philosophy of history and sociology.

 The chief concern of this monumental work was to identify psychological, economic, environmental and social facts that contribute to the advancement of human civilization and the currents of history.

 In this context, he analysed the dynamics of group relationships and showed how group-feelings, al-'Asabiyya, give rise to the ascent of a new civilisation and political power and how, later on, its diffusion into a more general civilization invites the advent of a still new 'Asabiyya in its pristine form.
Ibn Khaldun

 Contribution

 He identified an almost rhythmic repetition of rise and fall in human civilization, and analysed factors contributing to it.

 His contribution to history is marked by the fact that, unlike most earlier writers interpreting history largely in a political context, he emphasised environmental, sociological, psychological and economic factors governing the apparent events.

 This revolutionised the science of history and also laid the foundation of Umraniyat (Sociology).

Ibn Khaldun

 Contribution

 the other volumes of his world history Kitab al-I'bar deal with the history of Arabs, contemporary Muslim rulers, contemporary European rulers, ancient history of Arabs, Jews, Greeks, Romans, Persians, etc.,

 Islamic History, Egyptian history and North-African history, especially that of Berbers and tribes living in the adjoining areas.

 The last volume deals largely with the events of his own life and is known as Al-Tasrif.

 This was also written in a scientific manner and initiated a new analytical tradition in the art of writing autobiography.

 A book on mathematics written by him is not extant.
Ibn Khaldun

 Conclusion

 Ibn Khaldun's influence on the subject of history, philosophy of history, sociology, political science and education has remained paramount ever since his life.

 His books have been translated into many languages, both in the East and the West, and have inspired subsequent development of these sciences.

 For instance, Prof. Gum Ploughs and Kolosio consider Muqaddimah as superior in scholarship to Machiavelli's The Prince written a century later, as the forrner bases the diagnosis more on cultural, sociological, economic and psychological factors.


Al-Farabi
870 C.E – 950 C.E
Al-Farabi
 Bibliography

 Abu Nasr Mohammad Ibn al-Farakh al-Farabi was born in a small village Wasij, near Farab in Turkistan in 259 A.H. (870 C.E.).
 His parents were originally of Persian descent, but his ancestors had migrated to Turkistan.
 Known as al-Phrarabius in Europe, Farabi was the son of a general.
 He completed his earlier education at Farab and Bukhara but, later on, he went to Baghdad for higher studies, where he studied and worked for a long time viz., from 901 C.E. to 942 C.E.
 During this period he acquired mastery over several languages as well as various branches of knowledge and technology.
 He lived through the reign of six Abbasid Caliphs.
Al-Farabi
 Bibliography

 As a philosopher and scientist, he acquired great proficiency in various branches of learning and is reported to have been an expert in different languages.
 Farabi travelled to many distant lands and studied for some time in Damascus and Egypt, but repeatedly came back to Baghdad, until he visited Saif al-Daula's court in Halab (Allepo).
 He became one of the constant companions of the King, and it was here at Halab that his fame spread far and wide.
 During his early years he was a Qadi (Judge), but later on the took up teaching as his profession.
 During the course of his career, he had suffered great hardships and at one time was the caretaker of a garden.
 He died a bachelor in Damascus in 339 A.H./950 C.E. at the age of 80 years.
Al-Farabi
 Books
 Ara Ahl al-Madina al-Fadila
 Fusus al-Hikam
 Kitab al-lhsa al 'Ulum
 Kitab al-Musiqa


 Field :
 Major contribution on philosophy, logic and sociology
 Other contribution on medicine, mathematics and music
Al-Farabi
 Contribution

 Farabi contributed considerably to science, philosophy, logic, sociology, medicine, mathematics and music.

 His major contributions seem to be in philosophy, logic and sociology and, of course, stands out as an Encyclopedist.

 As a philosopher, he may be classed as a Neoplatonist who tried to synthesize Platonism and Aristotelism with theology and he wrote such rich commentaries on Aristotle's physics, meteorology, logic, etc., in addition to a large number of books on several other subjects embodying his original contribution, that he came to be known as the 'Second Teacher' (al-Mou'allim al-Thani) Aristotle being the First.

 One of the important contributions of Farabi was to make the study of logic more easy by dividing it into two categories viz., Takhayyul (idea) and Thubut (proof).
Al-Farabi
 Contribution

 In sociology he wrote several books out of which Ara Ahl al-Madina al-Fadila became famous.

 His books on psychology and metaphysics were largely based on his own work.

 He also wrote a book on music, captioned Kitab al-Musiqa.

 He was a great expert in the art and science of music and invented several musical instruments, besides contributing to the knowledge of musical notes.

 It has been reported that he could play his instrument so well as to make people laugh or weep at will. In physics he demonstrated the existence of void.
Al-Farabi
 Contribution

 Although many of his books have been lost, 117 are known, out of which 43 are on logic, 11 on metaphysics, 7 on ethics, 7 on political science, 17 on music, medicine and sociology, while 11 are commentaries.

 Some of his more famous books include the book Fusus al-Hikam, which remained a text book of philosophy for several centuries at various centres of learning and is still taught at some of the institutions in the East.

 The book Kitab al-lhsa al 'Ulum discusses classification and fundamental principles of science in a unique and useful manner.

 The book Ara Ahl al-Madina al- Fadila 'The Model City' is a significant early contribution to sociology snd political science.
Al-Farabi
 Conclusion

 Farabi exercised great influence on science and knowledge for several centuries.

 Unfortunately, the book Theology of Aristotle, as was available to him at that time was regarded by him as genuine, although later on it turned out to be the work of some Neoplatonic writer.

 Despite this, he was regarded the Second Teacher in philosophy for centuries and his work, aimed at synthesis of philosophy and sufism, paved the way for Ibn Sina's work.


Al-Ghazali
1058 C.E – 1128 C.E
Al-Ghazali
 Bibliography

 Abu Hamid Ibn Muhammad Ibn Muhammad al-Tusi al-Shafi'i al-Ghazali was born in 1058 C.E. in Khorasan, Iran.

 His father died while he was still very young but he had the opportunity of getting education in the prevalent curriculum at Nishapur and Baghdad.

 Soon he acquired a high standard of scholarship in religion and philosophy and was honoured by his appointment as a Professor at the Nizamiyah University of Baghdad, which was recognised as one of the most reputed institutions of learning in the golden era of Muslim history.
Al-Ghazali
 Bibliography

 After a few years, however, he gave up his academic pursuits and worldly interests and became a wandering ascetic.

 This was a process (period) of mystical transformation. Later, he resumed his teaching duties, but again left these.

 An era of solitary life, devoted to contemplation and writing then ensued, which led to the authorship of a number of everlasting books.

 He died in 1128 C.E. at Baghdad.
Al-Ghazali
 Books :

 Ihya al-'Ulum al-Deen (The Rivival of the Religious Sciences),
 Tuhafut al-Falasifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers),
 Al-Munqiz min al-Dhalal "Deliverance from Error".
 The Beginning of Guidance and his Autobiography

 Field :
 Islamic Jurisprudence, philosophy and sufism.

Al-Ghazali
 Abdel Rahman Badawi, an Egyptian scholar, prepared a comprehensive list of Ghazali's works under 457 titles:

 from 1 to 72: works definitely written by Ghazali
 from 73 to 95: works which are doubtful to be attributed to him
 96 - 127: works which are not those of Ghazali with most certainty
 128 - 224: are the name of the Chapters or Sections of Ghazali's books, which are mistakenly called as an single book of him
 225 - 273: books which are written by other authors regarding Ghazali's works
 274 - 389: books of other unknown scholars/writers regarding Ghazali's personality and state
 389 - 457: the name of the manuscripts of Ghazali's works in different libraries of the world


Al-Ghazali
 The following list is short list of his Major works:

 Theology
 al-Munqidh min al-dalal
 Hujjat al-Haq (Proof of the Truth)
 al-Iqtisad fil-i`tiqad (Median in Belief)
 al-Risala al-Qudsiyya (The Jerusalem Epistle)
 al-maqsad al-asna fi sharah asma' Allahu al-husna (The best means in explaining Allah's Beautiful Names)
 Jawahir al-Qur'an wa duraruh (Jewels of the Qur'an and its Pearls)
 Mishkat al-Anwar (The Niche of Lights)
 Kitab al-arba'in fi usul al-din

Al-Ghazali

 Philosophy
 Maqasid al falasifa (Aims of Philosophers) [written in the beginning of his life, in favour of philosophy and presenting the basic theories in Philosophy, mostly influenced by Avicenna's works]
 Tahafut al-Falasifa (Incoherence of philosophers), [in this book he refutes the Greek Philosophy aiming at Avicenna and Al-Farabi; and of which Ibn Rushd wrote his famous refutation Tahafut al-tahafut (The Incoherence of the Incoherence) ]
 al-Qistas al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance)

 Logic
 Miyar al-Ilm fi fan al-mantiq (Criterion of Knowledge in Logic)
 Mihakk al-nazar f'l-mantiq (The Touchstone of Proof in Logic)
 al-Qistas al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance)
Al-Ghazali
 Jurisprudence
 al-Mustasfa fi 'ilm al-isul (The Clarified in Legal Theory)
 Al-wasit fi al-mathab (The medium in the Jurisprudential school)
 Kitab tahzib al-Isul (Prunning on Legal Theory)
 Fatawy al-Ghazali (Verdicts of al-Ghazali)
 Asas al-Qiyas (foundation of Analogical reasoning).

 Sufism
 Mizan al-'amal (Criterion of Action)
 Ihya'ul ulum al-din, "Revival of Religious Sciences", Ghazali's most important work
 Kimiya-ye sa'ādat (The Alchemy of Happiness)
 Bidayat al-hidayah (Begining of Guidance)
 Nasihat al-muluk (Counseling Kings) [in Persian]
 al-Munqidh min al-dalal (Rescuer from Error)
 Sir al-'alamian wa kashf ma' fi al-darian (Secret of the two worlds and uncovering what is two abodes)

Al-Ghazali
 Contribution

 Ghazali's major contribution lies in religion, philosophy and sufism.

 A number of Muslim philosophers had been following and developing several viewpoints of Greek philosophy, including the Neoplatonic philosophy, and this was leading to conflict with several Islamic teachings.

 On the other hand, the movement of sufism was assuming such excessive proportions as to avoid observance of obligatory prayers and duties of Islam.

 Based on his unquestionable scholarship and personal mystical experience, Ghazali sought to rectify these trends, both in philosophy and sufism
Al-Ghazali
 Contribution

 In philosophy, Ghazali upheld the approach of mathematics and exact sciences as essentially correct.

 However, he adopted the techniques of Aristotelian logic and the Neoplatonic procedures and employed these very tools to lay bare the flaws and lacunae of the then prevalent Neoplatonic philosophy and to diminish the negative influences of Aristotelianism and excessive rationalism.

 In contrast to some of the Muslim philosophers, e.g., Farabi, he portrayed the inability of reason to comprehend the absolute and the infinite.

 Reason could not transcend the finite and was limited to the observation of the relative.
Al-Ghazali
 Contribution

 Also, several Muslim philosophers had held that the universe was finite in space but infinite in time.

 Ghazali argued that an infinite time was related to an infinite space.

 With his clarity of thought and force of argument, he was able to create a balance between religion and reason, and identified their respective spheres as being the infinite and the finite, respectively.
Al-Ghazali
 Contribution

 In religion, particularly mysticism, he cleansed the approach of sufism of its excesses and reestablished the authority of the orthodox religion.

 Yet, he stressed the importance of genuine sufism, which he maintained was the path to attain the absolute truth.
Al-Ghazali
 Contribution

 He was a prolific writer.

 His immortal books include
- Tuhafut al-Falasifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers),
- Ihya al-'Ulum al-Deen (The Rivival of the Religious Sciences),
- "The Beginning of Guidance and his Autobiography",
- "Deliverance from Error".

 Some of his works were translated into European languages in the Middle Ages.

 He also wrote a summary of astronomy.

 Conclusion

 Ghazali's influence was deep and everlasting.

 He is one of the greatest theologians of Islam.

 His theological doctrines penetrated Europe, influenced Jewish and Christian Scholasticism and several of his arguments seem to have been adopted by St. Thomas Aquinas in order to similarly reestablish the authority of orthodox Christian religion in the West.

 So forceful was his argument in the favour of religion that he was accused of damaging the cause of philosophy and, in the Muslim Spain, Ibn Rushd (Averros) wrote a rejoinder to his Tuhafut.
LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE

 Imam Al-Syafi’I
 Imam Malik bin Anas
 Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal


Imam al-Syafi’i
Imam al-Syafi’i
 Bibliography

 He is Abdullah Mohamed Ibn Idris Al Shafi’i, a prominent Imam who was a descendant from the Hashimi family of Quraysh tribe, which Prophet Mohamed (PBIUH) came from.

He is known as the revivalist of the second century, for he was the one who put the fundamental of jurisprudence; science of (usul al Fiqh).

At the age of 10, Al Shafi’i mother sent him to Mekkah, near his tribal ancestry. After entrusting him initially in the care of a relative, she followed him there to keep an eye on his studies.
Imam al-Syafi’i
 As he could not afford enough writing material, Al Shaafi’i used to go to the governor’s offices in search of paper that had already been used. On the blank side of the paper, he would do his lessons.

 He memorized the Qur’an at a very young age.

 In order to improve his knowledge of Arabic, he went deep into the desert to join the Bedouin tribe of Huthail, who were renowned for the best standard of literary Arabic.

 He studied poetry and learnt their prose reporting and stories. He accompanied the tribe on nomadic travels, until he mastered all that was there to learn.

 He also learnt archery and became very skilful; he could hit the target 10 times out of 10.


Imam al-Syafi’i
 Books :
 Al-Umm (Fiqh)
 Al-Risalah (Usul al-Fiqh)


 Field:
 Fiqh , Usul al-Fiqh , Hadith and Akidah
Imam al-Syafi’i
 On his return to Mekkah Al Shafi’i continued studying.

 At the age of 20 he had completed all that its scholars has to teach, but this thirst for knowledge was not quenched.

 So, he traveled to Madinah to learn from Imam Malik.

 Al Shafi’i wished to have a foretaste of what he would be learning. He borrowed Al-Muwatta’ to read which even fueled him more made him more eager to study under Imam Malik.


Imam al-Syafi’i
 Al-Shafi’i stayed very closed to Malik for nine years, he never left him during those nine years except to visit his mother, or to stay for a short while with some bedouin tribes.

 The last three years at Malik’s study circle were doubly fruitful because the eminent Iraqi scholar. Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani (132-189H) who recorded all the Hanafi scholarship had come to study under Malik.


Imam al-Syafi’i
 Imam Malik used to care more and give more attention to poor and needy students. Al-Shafi’i was one of them.

 When Malik died (179H), Al-Shafi’i returned to Mekkah hoping to earn his living.

 Some people asked the governor of Yemen to help Al-Shafi’i, and so he took him to Yemen where he was appointed justice in the city of Najran.

 The people there soon realised that they had a judge who was devoted to justice, unwilling to swerve from it for any favor or pressure.

 They respected him so much and learnt a great deal from him.

Imam al-Syafi’i
 In his fifth years at Najran, Al-Shafi’i’s mettle was tasted when a strong-fisted governor took over.

 Al-Shafi’i did not spare him from criticism whenever the occasion arose.

 In the process of curbing the governor’s injustice, Al-Shafi’i earned his enmity.


Imam al-Syafi’i
 The governor wrote to Caliph Al-Rasheed in Baghdad, accusing Al-Shafi’i of backing a revolt by people loyal to the Alawis, the descendants of Ali ibn Talib (may Allah be pleased with him). He said:
 ‘I have no authority over this man, and he achieves by his tongue much more than a fighter can achieve with this sword.’

Was this accusation false? Indeed it was, for Al-Shafi’i never supported or advocated any revolt or rebellion against the Caliph.

 On the contrary he used to love the Alawis, as they were the descendants of Ali, (may Allah be pleased with him), and Fatimah, (,ay Allah be pleased with her), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad, (PBUH).


Imam al-Syafi’i
 At the age of 34, Imam Al-Shafi’i was brought in 184H before the Caliph in Baghdad, in fetters and chains.

 Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani, the Chief Justice was his the only of his advisers and top officials present at the court.

 Two factors affected the Caliph’s Judgement: a lucid defence by the accused himself; and Chief Justice Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani’s Testimony.

 Al-Shafi’i pointed out that his scholarship was known to the Chief Justice, who described Al-Shafi’i as a scholar of eminence who would not be involved in such matters.
Imam al-Syafi’i
 Caliph Al-Rasheed, known to be kind and merciful, saw in this testimony his way out to spare Al-Shafi’i.

 He told Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani to take Al-Shafi’i to his home while he thought the matter over. There the case ended. The charge was never revived.

 The governor who had rid himself of a fearless critic was no longer interested what happened to him.


Imam al-Syafi’i
 This episode was a blessing in disguise because it brought Al-Shafi’i back on track in his quest for knowledge.

 Al-Shafi’i stayed with Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani and read under his guidance all the books that he had written, recording the Fiqh of Imam Abu Haneefah ( one of the Four grand Imams) and his disciples.

 After two years, Al Shaafi’i left Baghdad, he said:
‘I carried with me a whole camel load of books, all of which I learnt directly form Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan.’
Imam al-Syafi’i
 Al-Shafi’i learnt the Fiqh in Baghdad as well as memorized the Ahadith that were known in Iraq, but not in Madinah or Mekkah.

 He also entered into debate with many scholars, speaking as a student of Imam Malik, but he would only debate with lesser scholars than Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani, whom he gave great respect.


Imam al-Syafi’i
 Among the most important characteristic of Al-Shafi’i was his native intelligence that gave him an easy and good grasp of even the most difficult of questions.

 He always studied matters in depth, so as to reach the right solution and the right answer regarding any question put to him.

 His cleverness was coupled with a superb memory and ready argument.
Imam al-Syafi’i
 When discussing any matter, Imam Al-Shafi’i would put it with a wealth of meanings that he always found ready to hand, his explanation was always rich and to the point.

 Al-Shafi’i had a unique exquisite literary style, lucidity of expression and command over the language.

 His very clear use of words made him a influential speaker. One of his students said:
‘Every scholar gives more in his books than when you meet him personally, except for Al-Shafi’i whose verbal discussion gives you more than his books.’
Imam al-Syafi’i
 Imam Al-Shafi’i’s books are among the finest in style, eloquence and presentation.

Another quality that positioned Al-Shafi’i at the highest rank of Islamic scholars was his persistent devotion and sincerity in the pursuit of truth, and declaring it even if it was unpopular, or at variance with his teacher, to whom he was most devoted.

 His gratitude to Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan, who had saved him from the Caliph’s wrath, did not prevent him from supporting the Madinan scholars’ views. No one ever accused him of rejecting true evidence.


 Imam Al-Shafi’i used to urge his students to devote both their time and effort in studying the Hadith.
Imam al-Syafi’i
 Imam Al-Shafi’i never got furious while debating with anyone, because he was not interested in scoring points or winning people’s admiration, but rather in reaching the truth. And if his opponent were right, he would not find any difficulty accepting his view.

He was quoted as saying:
 ‘I wish people would learn what I have to give, without it being attributed to me. In this way, I will receive the reward for it from Allah, without having people’s praise.’

 With such noble qualities and wealth or knowledge, no wonder that scholars placed Imam Muhammad ibn Idris Al-Shafi’i in the highest rank.


Imam Malik bin Anas
Imam Malik bin Anas
 ABU ABDULLAH, Malik bin Anas, was born in Medina in the year 715 AD. He comes from a Yemeni origin, but his grandfather settled in Medina after embracing Islam.

 He received his education in Medina, which was the center of Islamic learning, and where the immediate descendants of the Companions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) lived.

 Imam Malik devoted his entire interest to the study of Fiqh.

 It is said that he sought out over three hundred Sahaba (those who saw the Companions of the Holy Prophet). From them he acquired the knowledge of the Holy Prophet's Hadith- and the Holy Prophet's Deeds, - Sunnah.
Imam Malik bin Anas
 Book :
 Al-Muwatta`

 Field :
 Hadith and Fiqh
Imam Malik bin Anas
 The Imam was known throughout the world of Islam for his self-control and great patience. One a band of Kharijis armed with swords forced their way into a mosque of Kufa, where he was praying, people ran out of the mosque in panic but he stayed there undismayed.

 It was customary with all those who waited on Khalifah Mansur in his durbar to kiss his hands but Imam Malik never stooped to his humiliation.

 He gave great respect to the learned people and once, when Imam Abu Hanifa came to see him, he offered him his own seat.

 Imam Malik studied Fiqh through one hundred Sheikhs who were residing in the city of the Prophet (PBUH) at the time.

 Among Imam Malik's work is the great book entitled Kitab-al-Muwatta, which is the earliest surviving book of Islamic law and Hadith. It quotes Sayings as well as the practices according to the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Imam Malik bin Anas
 Although Imam Malik wrote many treatises dealing with religion and ethics, Kitab-al-Muwatta is considered as the most important among his writings.

 Imam Malik had originally recorded ten thousand Ahadith in this book, but in a revised edition the Imam reduced the number to only one hundred and seventy-two.

 Imam Malik was well known for his piety and honesty and courageously stood up, and was prepared to bear stand in the face of all difficulties for his convictions.
 For example, when the governor of Medina forced people to take the oath of allegiance to Khalifah al-Mansour, Imam Malik issued a Fatwa that such an oath was not binding, because it was given under pressure.

 This encouraged a lot of people to be strong and courage to express their opposition, but the Imam was arrested, found guilty of defiance and publicly flogged.
Imam Malik bin Anas
 When al-Mansour, learnt of this outrage, he apologized to the Imam and dismissed the governor.

 Sometime later the Khalifah sent him three thousand Dinars for his travelling expenses and invited him to come and reside in Baghdad.

 Imam Malik refused the offer and indicated that he preferred to continue his residence in Medina where the Holy Prophet was buried.

 When the Khalifah Haroun-al-Rasheed visited Medina when he came to perform Hajj, he asked Imam Malik to visit him and give a lecture. But Imam Malik politely refused to go to the ruler and instead invited him to join the class of students to whom he delivered regular lectures.

 And indeed the Khalifa, accompanied by his two sons, accepted the invitation and sat among the students to hear the Imam's lecture.
Imam Malik bin Anas
 Imam Malik died in the year 795 AD at Medina and was buried in the famous al-Baqie cemetery in the Medina with the noble Prophet Companions.

 Imam Malik's followers and disciples developed the Fiqh science based on his books which came to be known as the Maliki Madhhab (approach).

 Most of the people who follow the Maliki Madhab are found in North and West Africa, - Tunis, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt.


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Imam Ahmad ibn Mohamed Ibn Hanbal, Abu `Abd Allah al-Dhuhli Al-Shaybani al-Marwazi al-Baghdadi (d. 241).

 Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal (780 - 855) was among the great Muslim scholars and theologians. He is the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh. His full name was Ahmed bin Muhammad Hanbal.

 Imam Hanbal was born in Central Asia to Arab parents in 780. After his father died, he moved to Iraq and studied extensively in Baghdad, and later used his travels for further education.

 He was mainly interested in the science of Hadith and traveled extensively through Iraq, Syria, and Arabia studying religion and collecting traditions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Books :
 Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Fadha`il al-Sahabah


 Field:
 Hadith, Fiqh, Akidah.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 His travels lasted several years.

 Upon returning home, he studied under Imam Shafi on Islamic law. Imam Hambal was very devoted to traditional views and was opposed to innovations in Islamic law.

 Imam ibn Hanbal became very well known all, and his teachings spread worldwide.

 His learning, piety and unswerving faithfulness to traditions gathered a lot if admirers around him.


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 From the biographical notice on Imam Ahmad in the Reliance of the Traveler:

"Out of piety, Imam Ahmad never gave a formal legal opinion (fatwa) while Imam Shafi`i was in Iraq, and when he later formulated his school of jurisprudence, he mainly drew on clear texts from the holy [Qur’an], Hadith, and scholarly agreement, with relatively little expansion from analogical reasoning (qiyâs). He was probably the most learned in the sciences of Hadith of the four great Imams of Sacred Law; Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Al Shafi`i`, Imam Malik, and him Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 His students included many of the foremost scholars of Hadith. Abu Dawud said of him: ‘Ahmad’s gatherings were gatherings of the afterlife: nothing of this world was mentioned. Never once did I hear him mention this-worldly things.’

... Imam Ahmad never once missed praying in the night, and used to recite the entire [Qur’an] daily. Imam Ahmad was imprisoned and subjected to various forms of torture for twenty-eight months under the Abbasid caliph al-Mu`tasim in an effort to force him to publicly support the [Mu`tazila] position that the Holy [Qur’an] was created, but the Imam refused to give up the belief that the [Qur’an] is the uncreated word of Allah, after which Allah delivered and vindicated him.

… When Imam Ahmad died in 241/855, he was accompanied to his resting place by a funeral procession of eight hundred thousand men and sixty thousand women, marking the departure of the last of the four great mujtahid Imams of Islam."


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Al-Dhahabi describes him saying:

"The true Sheikh of Islam and leader of the Muslims at his time, the Hadith master and proof of the Religion. He took Hadith from Hushaym, Ibrahim ibn Sa`d, Sufyan ibn `Uyayna, `Abbad ibn `Abbad, Yahya Ibn Abi Za’ida, and their layer. From him narrated al-Bukhari [two Hadiths in the Sahih], Muslim [22], Abu Dawud [254], Abu Zur`a, Mutayyan, `Abd Allah ibn Ahmad, Abu al-Qasim al-Baghawi, and a huge array of scholars. His father was a soldier one of those who called to Islam and he died young."- Al-Dhahabi continues.


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Ibn al-Jawzi relates in al-Manaaqib (p. 192):

"Imaam Ahmad was the foremost among the Imams in collecting the Sunnah and sticking to it."

`Abd Allah ibn Ahmad said:

"I heard Abu Zur`a [al-Razi] say: ‘Your father had memorized a million Hadiths, which I rehearsed with him according to topic.’"


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Hanbal said:

"I heard Abu `Abd Allah say: ‘I memorized everything which I heard from Hushaym when he was alive.’"

Ibrahim al-Harbi said:

"I held Ahmad as one for whom Allah had gathered up the combined knowledge of the first and the last."

Imam al-Shafi`i said:

"You (addressing Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal) are more knowledgeable about Hadith than I, so when a hadith is sahih (correct), inform me of it, whether it is from Kufah, Basrah or Syria, so that I may take the view of the hadith, as long as it is sahih.

Related by Ibn Abi Haatim in Aadaab ash-Shaafi'i (pp. 94-5),


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Harmala said:

"I heard Imaam al-Shafi`i say: ‘I left Baghdad and did not leave behind me anyone more virtuous (afdal), more learned (a`lam), more knowledgeable (afqah) than Ahmad ibn Hanbal.’"

`Ali ibn al-Madini said about Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal:

"Truly, Allah reinforced this Religion with Abu Bakr al-Siddiq the day of the Great Apostasy (al-Ridda), and He reinforced it with Ahmad ibn Hanbal the day of the Inquisition (al-Mihna)."

Abu `Ubayd said:

"The Science at its peak is in the custody of four men, of whom Ahmad ibn Hanbal is the most knowledgeable."


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Ibn Ma`in said, as related by `Abbas [al-Duri]:

"They meant for me to be like Ahmad, but by Allah! I shall never in my life compare to him."

A lot of great scholars who followed the approach (Madhab) of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.

Ibn ul-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah says in his book Imam Bukhari, Imaam Muslim and Imaam Abu Dawood were strong followers of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hambal. Among other great Imams who followed the teachings of Imam Ahmad include Shaikh-ul-Islam Taqi ad-Deen Ibn Taymiyyah, Abdul Qadir Jillaani, Ibn ul-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Al-Haafidh Zaynud-Deen Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Imam Muhammed Bin Abdul Wahab and Imam Ibn ul Jawzi.

Ibn al-Jawzi narrates from Bilal al-Khawass that the latter met al-Khidr and asked him: "What do you think of al-Shafi`i?" He said: "One of the Pillar-Saints (Awtâd)." " What about Ahmad Ibn Hanbal?" "He is a Siddiq."


Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
 Ibn al-Jawzi also narrates that Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:

"Whoever rejects a statement of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is on the brink of destruction." and was the foremost in sticking to the Sunna and sahih hadith.

Among Imam ibn Hanbal’s works is the great encyclopedia of Traditions called Musnad, collected by his son from his lectures and amplified by supplements - containing over twenty eight thousand traditions. Other works include Kitab-us-Salat, on the Discipline of Prayer and Kitab-us-Sunnah, on the Traditions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Main sources: al-Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’ 9:434-547 #1876 and Tadhkira al-Huffaz 2:431 #438.

 wassalam