Abū Hanīfah was a handsome, well dressed man of middle height. He always kept his appearance tidy and wore a pleasant fragrance. He was well-spoken and had a melodious voice. His speech was open and unpretentious.
Yahyā al-Qattān said: “We sat in his lesson and listened to him. I swear by Allah, if you looked at his face, you knew that this was a man who feared Allah.”
Here is how Abū Yūsuf described his character to the Caliph Harūn al-Rashīd:
Allah says in the Qur’an: “One does not speak a word except that there is with him an observing (angel) prepared to record it.” He is there for everyone who speaks. What I know of Abū Hanīfah is that he was extremely cautious to avoid committing sin, extremely careful not to utter anything concerning Allah’s religion that he did not have sufficient knowledge about. He loved seeing acts of piety and detested sin. He avoided the company of those whose concern was only for the world, and he did not get entangled in worldly rivalries.
He was a quiet person who busied himself in contemplation. He had extensive knowledge, but he did not prattle or drone on when he spoke. When someone asked him a question, he would answer it if he knew the answer. If there was textual evidence, he would answer with it. Otherwise, he would make an analogy on a true precedent. In this way he safeguarded himself and his faith.
He gave freely of his knowledge and his wealth, and did not depend on others for his needs. He was not greedy or ambitious, and he never spoke ill of others. He only mentioned good things about people.
After hearing this, Hārūn al-Rashīd said: “These are the qualities of the righteous.” Then he turned to his scribe and said: “Write this down and give it to my son to read.” Later, he told his son: “Commit this to memory. I will ask you about it later.”
Abū Hanīfah was a jurist renowned in his day for his legal knowledge and piety. He was wealthy, and he was well-known for giving generously to every petitioner. He was patient and mannerly in his teaching activities, which he engaged in day and night. He did not speak too much, replying to questions when they were asked, which he answered clearly and precisely. He refused to take gifts or allowances from the state.
Ibn al-Mubārak said: “I never met a man who possessed more dignity and composure in his study circle than Abū Hanīfah. Nor have I met anyone who showed more gentleness and consideration to his students.”
Hujr b. `Abd al-Jabbār b. Wā;il b. Hujr said: “The people never met a more generous host than Abū Hanīfah, nor a more generous friend.”
Abū Hanīfah was known for his kindness and clemency. He never showed his annoyance to ignorant people or lost his temper with them. `Abd al-Razzāq said:
I say Abū Hanīfah at the Hayf Mosque. A man approached him with a question, which he answered/ Then the man said: “I heard al-Hasan al-Basrī say something else.”
Abū Hanīfah said: “Al-Hasan was mistaken.”
Then a man came up to him, his face covered with a cloth, and shouted: “Are you saying that al-Hasan made a mistake, you bastard!” The man went off as quickly as he came.
Abū Hanīfah’s expression did not alter, nor did his face change colour. Abū Hanīfah simply continued speaking to the man who asked him the question. “Yes, al-Hasan made a mistake. Ibn Mas`ud had the correct opinion on the matter.”
Ignorant people, like the man who covered his face to shout at Abū Hanīfah, like to remain anonymous when they slander, insult, and abuse others. They are emboldened to deride the living and the dead, because they do not have to suffer any consequences. We see this all the time on the Internet today.
Sahl b. Muzāhim said:
I heard Abū Hanīfah quote from the Qur’an: “So give glad tidings to My servants who listen to speech and follow the best of it.” He also used to say: “Those whose hearts are straightened in anger against us, let our hearts be open to them.”
Abū Hanīfah was referring to those who had moved against him because they did not like his approach to Islamic law. Inevitably, they accused him of creating division among Muslims with his opinions or violating Islamic teachings. Little did their marrow hearts realize know that they would fall into obscurity and Abū Hanīfah’s star would rise and be remembered throughout the ages.
Zayd b, Kumayt said:
A man said to Abī Hanīfah: “Fear Allah.” He then went on to criticise and rebuke him.
Abū Hanīfah replied: “May Allah bless you with what is good. We are all in great need of people to come and say such things to us.”
Abū Hanīfah said: “Ever since Hammād died, whenever I pray, I beseech Allah’s forgiveness for him along with my parents. I also beseech Allah’s forgiveness for all those I’ve learned from and all the people I’ve taught.”
Abū Hanīfah’s temperament was the kind rich and fertile soil in which knowledge takes root and blossoms. Nothing complements knowledge better than kindness. The best of people have their detractors, and the most conscientious of scholars have their differences. There will always be students who get overzealous about their teachers and in doing so bring grief to their teachers’ hearts. The scholars, as a consequence, always have to deal with the abuses of the ignorant and the enmity of a changeable public. Through such trials the reveals scholars’ true mettle is revealed. Those whose concern is for knowledge will seek understanding and sound evidence. They will stay clear of insults and personal taunts, for such conduct is unsuited for those who pursue true understanding.
Source: IslamToday
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