Reviewed Abdul Hai
It is believed that there is both blessing and wisdom in reading about the lives of the pious. Furthermore, even for those who are sinful, there is hope in loving and learning about the pious, as it may lead to receiving their intercession, a sentiment eloquently expressed in the couplets of Imam Ash-Shafi’i
“I love the righteous, although I’m not of them
Perhaps I shall receive intercession through them”
What is history if not the lives and deeds of those who came before us? Islamic civilization was not mere, as some might suggest, solely on the grandeur of its architecture or its literary legacy. Rather, it was the people who shaped the true Islamic civilization—their character, their pragmatic approach to life, and, perhaps most importantly, their unwavering commitment to Islam—that embodied the true essence of civilization.
Studying the lives and works of the early Muslims is crucial for several reasons, particularly in the contemporary world, characterized by the widespread influence of technology and the internet. One of the primary reasons for engaging with their legacy is to recognize their esteemed position within Islam, a status praised by the Prophet in numerous traditions. These early Muslims are to be emulated, especially in the fundamentals of the faith, as they were, to some extent, divinely chosen from an Islamic perspective. Disagreeing with the consensus they established regarding belief and practice would be considered a deviation from traditional and orthodox Islam. Therefore, their methods of understanding and safeguarding Islam serve as essential guidelines for subsequent generations. It is impermissible to deviate from their understanding of God, the Prophet’s message, the Qur’anic teachings, and other fundamental aspects of faith and daily life.
Secondly, there appears to be, in the writings of some Muslim academics, writers, and literary figures, a sense of arrogance and superiority. This mindset leads these scholars to advocate for a reformation and reinterpretation of Islamic principles, distancing themselves from the early Muslims and increasingly relying on a Eurocentric worldview. These scholars are often influenced by ideologies such as feminism, Marxism, and other European intellectual movements. Consequently, it is crucial to study and learn from our early Muslim scholars to preserve the tradition of orthodox Islam. Only through the teachings of these earliest scholars can one attain a correct understanding of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Thirdly, and perhaps most critically in our present time, is the absence of a functional, sustainable Muslim society grounded in authentic Islamic principles. Due to the dysfunction in many Muslim societies and countries, younger generations are increasingly seeking alternatives. These alternatives often draw from or are influenced by, European ideas, leading to attempts to create what these youths perceive as functional Muslim societies. Therefore, it is essential to study the lives and works of the early Muslims and to correctly understand their teachings. This knowledge will empower Muslims to recreate a functional society based on the authentic principles of Islam, safeguarding the younger generation from embracing a liberal form of Islam that, while seemingly inclusive, ultimately strays from the boundaries set by Islamic principles. Without this grounding, there is a risk of forming a new belief system that is disconnected from and unrelated to true Islam.
The founders of the four Islamic legal schools, namely Imaam Abu Hanifa, Imaam Malik, Imaam Shafi’i, and Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal—serve as fundamental pillars for the development of Islamic thought and practice. The lives of these scholars exemplify righteousness and unwavering dedication to the principles of Islam, making them pivotal figures in the growth of the Muslim community. The work titled The Four Imams: Their Lives, Works, and Schools of Thought by the eminent Egyptian great scholar Muhammad Abu Zahra is an essential resource in this context. Shaykh Muhammad Abu Zahra is a renowned scholar recognized for his profound expertise on the lives and works of early Muslims. His extensive writings on the subject have established him as a leading authority in this field, acknowledged by scholars worldwide. Due to his distinguished reputation, the text under review becomes an essential resource for both Muslim students and the general Muslim community, offering valuable insights for study and engagement.
Shaykh Muhammad Abu Zahra documents the life and work of the four Imaam and their legal schools. The book offers an extensive examination of the lives and works of the four scholars and their respective schools. It is organized into four major chapters, each dedicated to one of the scholars. Within these chapters, sub-sections provide detailed insights into various aspects, including the legal school of each scholar, their relationships with other scholars and rulers, their areas of expertise, and their interactions with other Islamic sects. The book also covers the historical development of each school, the challenges they faced, the works authored by these scholars, and how those works were transmitted. Additionally, it explores the legal principles they applied, highlighting areas of agreement with other scholars as well as principles unique to each school. It also provides extensive details on the lives and works of the prominent students of each school, highlighting how they contributed to the school’s development. The book concludes with a comprehensive summary of these findings.
The work of Shaykh Muhammad Abu Zahra is particularly significant and timely due to several key features. One such feature is the Shaykh’s examination of the lives and contributions of the four great Imams, along with their schools of thought and their students, within a historical context. The text illustrates how societal conditions influenced the intellectual development of these scholars, and how, in turn, they responded productively to these challenges. Additionally, it humanizes these eminent figures by highlighting their struggles in establishing their schools, navigating relationships with authorities, and addressing the social dynamics they encountered. Through this, the reader can draw valuable lessons and find ways to apply them to their own life.
Another key feature of the book, and perhaps the most important, is the author’s thorough explanation of the Islamic legal principles employed by the founders of the four major schools of thought. The author demonstrates how these scholars, while influenced to some extent by the social dynamics of their time, consistently endeavored to adhere to the fundamental principles of Islam in their legal rulings. This serves as a crucial lesson for contemporary Muslims, emphasizing the importance of remaining within the framework established by the Islamic legal system, despite facing modern challenges. The author underscores that, throughout their lives, these great scholars always referenced the core principles of Islam.
There is no doubt that the social problems faced by modern Muslim societies differ significantly from those encountered during the era of the four great Imams. However, what remains constant is that the approach to addressing such problems, whether in the past or present, should be grounded in Islamic principles. Shaykh Muhammad Abu Zahra highlights this by discussing the struggles of these scholars, demonstrating that their challenges, whether directly or indirectly, offer solutions to contemporary issues. The book illustrates that, like the scholars of the past, there is room for discussion today, but such discussions must remain rooted in core Islamic principles. Therefore, it is essential that the work of Shaykh Muhammad Abu Zahra is taken seriously and studied thoroughly.
The book under review was originally written in Arabic and has been translated for an English-speaking audience, addressing both specialists and students, as well as laypersons. I found it to be highly beneficial, informative, and essential reading for Muslim students and general readers alike. It deserves a place on the bookshelf of every Muslim. The language is straightforward, making it accessible even to those without any formal background in Islamic studies, like myself. Despite not having specialized knowledge or training in Islamic studies, I found it extremely valuable. In my opinion, this book is a significant contribution to the English-speaking audience and is a must-read for those seeking to learn about our true heroes and mentors, whom we should follow as role models.
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