A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Fiqh – Jurisprudence
~ 109 ~
his time. A large number of students came to learn from him the
knowledge of
Fiqh
. Abu Hanifah attended his lectures on a
regular basis. Due to his sharp mind and memory he very soon
acquired expertise in the knowledge of
fiqh
. Imam Hammad was
very pleased with him. He was given a special place in his
dars
where the master delivered his lectures. Abu Hanifah remained
his disciple for eighteen years. He also learned from several other
scholars of repute.
After the death of Imam Hammad, Imam Abu Hanifah was a
natural choice for being his successor. Abu Hanifah had so
distinguished himself in his capacity to acquire learning that the
disciples did not find any difficulty in the matter of chosing a
successor. Imam Abu Hanifah was reluctant to accept this most
coveted post. But when the majority of the students expressed
their strong desire for Abu Hanifah to become Imam Hammad’s
successor he finally yielded to their request. Now he came to be
acknowledged the head of the Iraqi school of jurisprudence. In his
circle there were many promising students like Imam Abu Yusuf,
Imam Zafar, Asad bin Umar, etc.
Abu Hanifah’s fame spread rapidly. He was acknowledged as a
great scholar. His lectures in Kufa were attended by a large
number of people. The seekers of knowledge came from far off
places with their questions to be answered according to
shariah
.
Imam Abu Hanifah used to solve any legal problem first through
the Qur'an. If no specific injunction was available in the Qur'an
then he would turn to hadith and the sayings of the Companions.
