THE EXTREME CAUTION OF IMĀM ABU HANĪFA رحمه الله

On an extremely hot day, Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله and Imām Abu Yusuf رحمه الله were passing through the streets of a marketplace. Due to the intensity of the heat, Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله walked close to the row of shops so as to be in the shade. As they neared a building, Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله veered away from it and walked in the street at a distance from the building. Understand that these two personalities were walking in intense heat. After they passed that particular building, Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله once again began walking in the shade of the other buildings.

Naturally surprised at the action of Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله , Imām Abu Yusuf رحمه الله ask the reason why his respected teacher walked away from the shade of a particular building and then after passing it, carried on walking in the shade of the other buildings. Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله  said: “O Abu Yusuf, this building belongs to a Jew who owes me several thousand dinars. Do you not know that in Islam, deriving any benefit from a debtor is interest (ribā)? I feared to derive benefit of the shade from the house of my debtor. I therefore stepped out to avoid gaining the benefit of the shade.”

الله اكبر كبيرا!

Can we really contemplate the sheer caution exercised by Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله? Undoubtedly, the piety displayed in the various aspects of his life give testimony to the perfection of sincerity in his noble personality. May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله bless the noble Imām and grant us the tawfeeq to be diligent in our day to day dealings.

آمين يا رب العالمين

Hafez Qaasim Paruk Saab Hafizahullah