The Four Imams

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