The Four Imams

Shaikh Ali Ihsan Hammuda is a UK national of Palestinian origin. He gained bachelors and masters’ degrees in Architecture & Planning from the University of the West of England, before achieving a BA in Shari'ah from al-Azhar University in Egypt. He is currently based in Wales and is a visiting Imām at Al-Manar Centre in Cardiff, and also a senior researcher and lecturer for the Muslim Research & Development Foundation in London. Shaykh Ali is the author of several books including 'The Daily Revivals', 'The Ten Lanterns' and 'The Friday Reminder'. He delivers sermons, lectures and regular classes across the country.

Introduction

•Who were the Four Imams?

•Where were they from?

•Relationship between the Four Imams

•What the Four Imams said about one another

Imam Abu Hanifa

•Sweet beginnings

•Understanding life in Kufa

•Early life of young Nu’man

•Dignity in independence

•A few short words pave the way

•When the path to knowledge takes a detour

•A student-teacher relationship like no other

•The character of Imam Abu Hanifa

•Imam Abu Hanifa and the drunk neighbour

•The fiqh of Imam Abu Hanifa: A collective effort

•Best of the best: The students supporting Imam Abu Hanifa

•In chains: the torture and death of Imam Abu Hanifa

Lessons we can learn

•Consider the sincerity of Thabit

•Having money is a responsibility and a privilege

•Don't underestimate the impact of a few words

•Don't ever feel limited by your young age

•Do not be afraid to pursue your passion

•Learn from the best people available to you

•Things will come to you at the right time

•The purpose of knowledge is action and growth

•Never write people off as a lost cause

•The benefits of collaboration

Imam Malik


•Out playing with birds

•Experiencing many different teachers and students

•The character of Imam Malik

- His caution against seeking fame

- His gravity of presence

- His unbreakable focus while teaching

- His willingness to say "I don't know"

- His preference for simplicity

- His indifference to power and privilege

•A letter from Abdullah

•Hanging up al-Muwatta in the Kaaba

•The children of Imam Malik

•Being tested by a secret spy

•The death of a giant

Lessons we can learn

•Knowledge without manners is futile

•Don't underestimate the power of memorisation

•Consider the chain reactions you could start off

•The beauty of keeping your good deeds private

•The power of "I don't know"

•Appreciate that everybody has their own path in life

•Turning down immense worldly rewards 

•Knowledge is not an inheritance

Imam al-Shafi'i


•Difficult beginnings

•Decisive decades in the desert

•A nudge in a new direction

•Approaching the door of Imam Malik

•Standing firm against scheming in Yemen

•The travels of Imam al-Shafi'i

•Honouring different opinions

•How Imam al-Shafi'i worshipped

•Leaving this world as a throne of gold awaits

Lessons we can learn


•Greatness can often be traced back to the efforts of mothers

•Seek out and be part of the best company

•Important things deserve preparation

•Facing betrayal can teach you painful, but necessary lessons

•Different perspectives can all be equally valid

•Treat fame, admiration and public adoration with great caution

•Never allow yourself to get too confident about your deeds

Imam Ahmad


•Starting out life as an orphan

•Onto journeys far from home with Yahya

•The character of Imam Ahmad

-His refusal to accept favours

-His interactions with the people

-His humility

-His dedication to worship

-Putting his knowledge into practice

-His willingness to say "I don't know"

-Being troubled by fame

•The greatest trial in Imam Ahmad's life

-What was the ‘trial’?

-The Caliph joins the corruption

-Turmoil spread like wildfire

-Al-Mu'tasim takes over as Caliph

-The imprisonment of Imam Ahmad

-The debates begin

-The torture of Imam Ahmad begins

-The rise of a new oppressor: al-Wathiq 

-The tide turns with al-Mutawakkil

•Being taught patience from a thief

•Forgiven and forgotten?

•The death of Imam Ahmad

Lessons we can learn

•We prepare for the things we love

•Humility will enrich every aspect of your life

•It is always safest to tread with caution (wara')

•Gather pearls of wisdom... even from a criminal

•It takes bravery to stand alone against an ocean

•The truth will make itself known eventually

A Final Thought – Looking back and looking forwards