XAD
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Stories of the Scholars

Imam Malik bin Anas

الإِمَام مَالِك بْنُ أَنَسٍ رَحِمَهُ اللهُ

Founder of the Maliki School, Author Al-Muwatta (d. 179 AH)

Malik bin Anas was born and lived all his life in Medina, the city of the Prophet ﷺ, so that his jurisprudence strictly adhered to the practices (deeds) of the people of Medina who he considered to have directly inherited the traditions of generations of friends. His work, Al-Muwatta, is one of the oldest well-organized books of hadith and fiqh, combining the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ with the opinions of the Companions and tabi'in. The Maliki school of thought that he pioneered is now widely adhered to in North and West Africa. He was known to be very careful in giving fatwas, often answering "I don't know" when unsure, a rare example of scientific humility.

1

Imam Darul Hijrah

Malik bin Anas Al-Ashbahi (93–179 H) was born and lived in Medina, the city of the Prophet ﷺ, so he was called Imam Darul Hijrah. He studied with hundreds of teachers from among the tabi'in and greatly glorified the hadith and deeds of the people of Medina.

📖 QS At-Taubah: 100

2

Al-Muwaththa': The First Book of Hadith-Fiqh

His masterpiece, Al-Muwaththa', is one of the earliest and most authentic books of hadith and fiqh, compiled with great care over many years. Imam Syafi'i said, "There is no book on earth that is more authentic after the Book of Allah than Al-Muwaththa' Malik" (in his time).

📖 QS Al-Hijr: 9

3

Glorification of the Prophet's Hadith

Malik did not convey hadith unless he was purified, dressed neatly and solemnly, as a form of glorifying the words of the Prophet ﷺ. He was careful in giving fatwas and often said "la adri" (I don't know) when in doubt.

📖 QS Al-Hujurat: 2

4

Steadfast Under Pressure from Authorities

Malik was once punished for delivering a fatwa that the authorities did not like, but he remained firm in conveying the truth of science. His position as a priest was actually increasingly glorified by the people because of his steadfastness.

📖 QS Al-Ma'idah: 67

5

Death and the Maliki School

Malik died in Medina in 179 AH. The Maliki school of thought is widespread in North Africa, Andalusia in the past, and West Africa until now, with the characteristic of strongly adhering to the practices of Medina experts and hadith.

📖 QS Fathir: 32