Four Imams (AS) in Islam
The Four Imams are highly esteemed scholars who have made significant contributions to Islamic scholarship and jurisprudence. They have shaped the understanding and practice of Islam through their profound knowledge and teachings. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
01. IMAM ABU HANEEFA
Name Nuʿmān ibn Thābit ibn Zūṭā ibn Marzubān
AH (Hijri Calendar) 80 – 150
AD (English Calendar) 699 – 767
Place of Birth Kufa
Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A): Born in Kufa, Iraq during the 8th century, Imam Abu Hanifa is recognized as the founder of the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence. He emphasized rationality and the use of reason, employing analogical reasoning in interpreting Islamic law. His teachings and methodology have had a lasting impact on Islamic legal thought.
02. IMAM MALIK
Name Malik
AH (Hijri Calendar) 93 – 179
AD (English Calendar) 715 – 795
Place of Birth Medina
Imam Malik (R.A): Imam Malik, born in Medina, Saudi Arabia in the 8th century, is credited with establishing the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence. He focused on the practices of the people of Medina and collected a renowned compilation of Hadith known as “Al-Muwatta.” His emphasis on local customs and practices greatly influenced the development of Islamic law.
03. IMAM SHAFII
Name Mohammed bin Idris
AH (Hijri Calendar) 150 – 204
AD (English Calendar) 767 – 820
Place of Birth Ghazza
Imam Al-Shafi’i (R.A): Imam Al-Shafi’i, born in Gaza, Palestine during the 9th century, is recognized as the founder of the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. He emphasized the use of textual evidence in legal interpretation and wrote the influential work “Al-Risala” on the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. His teachings have had a profound impact on legal reasoning within the Islamic tradition.
04. IMAM AHMAD BIN HAMBAL
Name Ahmad
AH (Hijri Calendar) 164 – 241
AD (English Calendar) 780 – 855
Place of Birth Baghdad
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (R.A): Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, born in Baghdad, Iraq during the 9th century, is known as the founder of the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence. He placed great emphasis on the Hadith and compiled a revered collection called “Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal.” His adherence to the textual authority of the Hadith has greatly influenced the Hanbali legal tradition.
