A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Fiqh – Jurisprudence
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He did not follow the Successors, saying that ‘they were men like
we are’ so we are not bound to follow their decisions. If even
after consulting the Qur'an, hadith and the Companions the
problem remained to be solved then he attempted to interpret it
himself in the light of the Qur'an and hadith. He saw to it that his
interpretation did not contradict the commands laid down in the
Qur'an and hadith and the traditions of the Companions.
Imam Abu Hanifah was of a very gentle disposition. He was
patient, forbearing and of a tolerant nature. He believed in
freedom of expression. He never discouraged his disciples to
express their viewpoints before him. They also felt free to express
themselves before him. They were given so much liberty that his
disciples could oppose the viewpoint of their master too. Once a
person hurled abuses at him in front of his disciples but the Imam
did not react. Maintaining his composure he simply uttered these
words of prayer:
“May Allah broaden my heart for those whose hearts
are narrow for me.”
Imam Abu Hanifah was a scholar in the real sense of the word. He
had fully devoted himself to learning. He had no lust for power.
He thought that by accepting positions of power, he will not be
able to devote his full attention to learning. Besides he thought
that if he accepted a post under the caliphs then he would have
no choice but to succumb to their pressure. He wanted Islamic
law to develop independent of political authority. That was the
reason why when Umar bin Hubair, the Umayyad governor in
