Biography of Imam Abu Hanifa – Life, Legacy & Contributions
If the Hadith is authentic, then that is my madhhab
Early Life & Education
Imam Abu Hanifa, whose full name was Nu‘man ibn Thabit, is widely known as the founder of the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, the most followed madhhab in the Sunni world. Born in Kufa, Iraq, in 699 CE (80 AH), his life marked a turning point in the development of Islamic legal thought. His early years were spent under the rich scholarly environment of Kufa, where he memorized the Qur’an and engaged in trade before dedicating himself to Islamic education and jurisprudence.
Coming from a Persian family known for piety and honesty, Imam Abu Hanifa benefited from studying with hundreds of scholars, including Imam Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman and some notable Tabi‘een generation scholars. He even met Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, which enriched his exposure to different schools of thought. His education was a combination of classical Islamic scholarship, reason-based deduction, and a deep understanding of real-world issues, which later shaped his principles of jurisprudence.
Biography of Imam Abu Hanifa Legacy and the Hanafi Madhhab
Imam Abu Hanifa’s contributions to Islamic fiqh were revolutionary. He laid down a structured methodology that balanced Qur’an, Hadith, consensus (ijma‘), and analogical reasoning (qiyas) — making his madhhab both spiritually sound and practically adaptable. His jurisprudential system is now taught across the world and implemented in many Islamic legal systems.
Despite his immense knowledge, Abu Hanifa famously refused government positions and remained independent. He was once imprisoned for declining a judicial post under the Abbasid Caliphate, proving his unwavering dedication to integrity and justice. His most famous students, Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, carried his teachings forward and formally systematized the Hanafi madhhab, ensuring its widespread legacy.
Imam Abu Hanifa passed away in 767 CE (150 AH), leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected Sunni jurists, a cornerstone in the history of Islamic law, and a role model for scholars who followed. He is buried in Baghdad, and his tomb remains a site of reverence. For more in-depth historical context, read the Detailed Biography of Imam Abu Hanifa on Britannica
Quick Facts:
- Born: 699 CE in Kufa, Iraq
- Died: 767 CE in Baghdad
- Known for: Founding the Hanafi school, scholarly integrity
- Legacy: Most followed Sunni school of law, major figure among the four imams of Islam