Manqabat Imam Azam Abu Hanifah (R.A)

Manqabat Imam Azam Abu Hanifah (R.A)

Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) – The Great Jurist of Islam

Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ), one of the most prominent scholars in Islamic history, is known as the founder of the Hanafi school of thought – the largest and most followed school of Islamic jurisprudence. His profound knowledge, deep understanding of Islamic law, and unwavering piety earned him the title "Imam-e-Azam" (The Greatest Imam).

Who Was Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ)?

Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) was born in 80 AH (699 CE) in Kufa, Iraq. His full name was Nu'man ibn Thabit. He grew up in a religious environment and was deeply influenced by the scholars of his time. Although he initially worked as a merchant, his passion for religious knowledge led him to devote his life to Islamic studies.

He was a student of many renowned scholars, including Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) and Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ). Over time, he became a leading authority in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and established a comprehensive legal framework based on the Qur’an, Hadith, consensus (Ijma), and analogical reasoning (Qiyas).

Contributions to Islamic Jurisprudence

Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) made significant contributions to Islamic law. His methodology was known for its logical reasoning and flexibility. He emphasized the use of intellect in deriving legal rulings while strictly adhering to the core principles of Islam.

His most notable contribution is the development of the Hanafi school of thought, which is widely followed in regions like South Asia, Turkey, the Balkans, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East. His students, such as Imam Abu Yusuf (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) and Imam Muhammad al-Shaybani (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ), preserved and propagated his teachings, ensuring their continuity through generations.

Imam Abu Hanifa’s (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) Character and Piety

Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) was known not only for his knowledge but also for his exceptional character. He was deeply pious, trustworthy, and generous. He prayed extensively, often completing the Qur’an in his night prayers, and was known to fast regularly.

He remained firm in his principles and refused to compromise his integrity. Despite being offered high-ranking judicial positions by the ruling authorities, he declined them to maintain his independence. For this reason, he faced persecution and was even imprisoned. Yet, he remained steadfast and continued his mission of spreading knowledge.

The Legacy of Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ)

Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) passed away in 150 AH (767 CE) in Baghdad. His funeral was attended by thousands, and his grave remains a place of respect and reverence for Muslims around the world.

His legacy lives on through:

  • The Hanafi school of thought – the most widely practiced Islamic legal school.
  • Hundreds of scholarly works based on his teachings.
  • A lasting impact on Islamic jurisprudence and scholarship.

Poetic Tributes to Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ)

Many scholars and poets have praised Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) in their works, acknowledging his wisdom and dedication to Islamic knowledge. His name is often mentioned with great reverence in classical Islamic literature.


Ho Naib-e-Sarwar-e-Du Aalam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Ho Naib-e-Sarwar-e-Du Aalam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Siraaj-e-Ummat Faqih-e-Afkhm, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Hai naam Nu'man ibn Thaabit, Abu Hanifa hai unki Kuniya

Pakarata hai yeh kehke Aalim, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Jo be-misaal aapka hai taqwa, to be-misaal aapka hai fatawa

Hai ilm o taqwa ke aap sangam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Gunah ke daldal mein phans gaya hoon, gile gile tak main dhans gaya hoon

Nikalo mujh ko baraaye Adam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Hasad ki bimari barh chali hai, ladai aapas mein than gayi hai

Shaha Musalman hoon manzzam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Diyar-e-Baghdad mein bula kar, mazaar apna dikha jahan par

Hain noor ki barishen chhama chham, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Ata ho khauf-e-Khuda khudara, do ulfat-e-Mustafa khudara

Karun amal sunnaton pe har dam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Hai dhoom chaaron taraf sakhaaki, bhari hai jholi har ek gada ki

Ata ho mujh ko bhi Tayyiba ka gham, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Tumhare darbar ka gada hoon, main sa'il-e-Ishq-e-Mustafa hoon

Karam paye Shah-e-Ghaus-e-Azam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Fazool goi ki nikalti aadat, ho door be-ja hansi ki khaslat

Durud padhta rahoon main har dam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Bala ka pehra laga hua hai, museebaton mein ghira hua hai

Tera muqallid Imam-e-Azam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Shaha! Adu ka sitam hai peham, madad ko aao Imam-e-Azam

Sawa tumhare hai kon hamdam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Na jeete jee mujh pe aaye aafat, main qaber mein bhi rahoon salaamat

Beroz-e-Mahshar bhi rakhna be-gham, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Maroon shaha zair-e-sabz gumbad, ho madfan Aqa Baqi-e-Gharqad

Karam baraye Rasool-e-Akram, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Hoi shaha fard-e-jurm aaid, bacha phansah hai tera muqallid

Farishtay le ke chale Jahannam, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Jigar bhi zakhmi hai dil bhi gha'il, hazaar fikre hain sau masa'il

Dukhon ka Attar ko do marham, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Hamare Aqa Hamare Mola Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Hamare Aqa Hamare Mola Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa

Hamare Malja Hamare Ma'wa Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Zamana bhar ne zamana bhar mein bohot tajassus kiya, lekin

Mila nah koi Imam tum sa, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Sahar-e-Ilm o Amal ke sooraj tum hi ho, sab hain tumhare taare

Tum hi se chamka hai jo bhi chamka, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Tumhare aage tamam aalam na kyon kare zanoo-e-adaab kham

Ke Peshwayan-e-Deen ne maana, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Na kyon kare naaz Ahl-e-Sunnat ke tum se chamka naseeb-e-ummat

Siraaj-e-ummat mila jo tum sa, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Khuda ne tujh ko woh di hai raf'at ke tera mansub bhi hai marfoo

Teri izafat mein raf' paaya, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Hua Ulul-Amr se yeh sabit ke teri ta'at zaroori waajib

Khuda ne tum ko kiya hamara, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Kisi ki aankhon ka tu hai taara, kisi ke dil ka bana sahaara

Magar kisi ke jigar mein aara, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Jo teri taqleed shirk hoti, Muhaddiseen saare hotay mushrik

Bukhari o Muslim Ibn Majah, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Siraaj tu hai, baghair tere jo koi samjhe Hadith o Quran

Phiray bhatkata nah paaye rasta, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa


Khabar le ae Dastgir-e-ummat, hai saalik-e-bekhabar pe shiddat

Woh tera ho kar phiray bhatkata, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa



Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship whose contributions continue to guide millions of Muslims. His deep understanding of Shariah, unshakable character, and devotion to knowledge make him one of the most revered personalities in Islamic history.

May Allah (سبحانہ و تعالیٰ) elevate his ranks in Jannah and enable us to benefit from his teachings. Ameen.


Related Links

Manqabat Hazrat Imam Jaffar Sadiq (R.A)
Hazrat Bilal Habshi (R.A)