Imam Ahmad is not just remembered as a scholar but as a symbol of Sunni resistance. During the Mihna (an inquisition under the Abbasid rulers), he was jailed, tortured, and publicly humiliated for refusing to accept that the Qur’an was “created.” His steadfastness during this theological trial solidified his place as a defender of orthodox Sunni belief and earned him immense respect across generations.

The Hanbali madhhab he established is characterized by its reliance on the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and the cautious use of analogy (qiyās). His legal school influenced later giants like Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Qayyim, and it thrives today in regions like Saudi Arabia and parts of the Gulf. Imam Ahmad’s legacy bridges Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith preservation, and Sunni theology, making him one of the greatest early Muslim scholars of all time. For more academic insights, visit Ahmad ibn Hanbal – Oxford Islamic Studies.