Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh)

Many Hadith have been narrated to prove the greatness of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh). For example, according to a Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) said: "Certainly, Adam (Alaihis Salaam) is proud of me and I am proud of a person from my Ummat called 'Nu'maan'. He is the light of my Ummah."

Nu'maan was the name of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh). Some people have tried to prove the greatness of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh) through this Hadith. However, it should be noted that this is a "FABRICATED HADITH". It is not permissible to narrate such a Hadith without disclosing that it is a fabricated Hadith. When we have affection for a person, this should not make us use false and fabricated Hadith to give it a certain value. The truth is the truth and the truth should be made to triumph and it’s the truth that triumphs all the time.

Nonetheless, there are authentic Hadith which give quite a strong impression that it is indeed Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh) who is meant and predicted by the Hadith. For example, the Hadith of Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu anhu), according to which Rasulullah (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) said: "If Deen was suspended to Surayyah (name of a star), then there will be a person from 'Faaris' (Persia) who will get it." (Bukhari /Muslim)

According to Allaamah Jalaaluddeen As-Suyuti (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh), this Hadith is a very authentic proof through which the greatness of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh) may be based as in the Persian community; there was no one of the stature of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaiyh).

[English version of "Imam Abou Hanifah (rahmatoul-lahi ‘alayh)" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.11]