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Imam An-Nasa’i: Biography and Legacy
Imam An-Nasa’i, Ahmad bin Syu’aib, was a preeminent hadith scholar born in 215 H in Nasa’, Khurasan, and passed away in 303 H in Ramlah. He was celebrated for his meticulousness in hadith criticism, extensive travels for knowledge, and significant contributions to Islamic literature, including his renowned work, Sunan An-Nasa’i. His life exemplified unwavering dedication to truth, even facing persecution.
Key Takeaways
Imam An-Nasa’i was a meticulous hadith scholar and critic.
He traveled extensively to gather and verify hadith.
His Sunan An-Nasa’i is a foundational Islamic text.
He demonstrated immense courage in upholding religious truth.
His life ended tragically due to his unwavering principles.
Who Was Imam An-Nasa’i and What Was His Full Identity?
Imam An-Nasa’i, Ahmad bin Syu’aib An-Nasa’i, was a profoundly influential Islamic scholar. Born in 215 H in Nasa’, Khurasan, he later became known as Abu Abdurrahman. His life culminated in his passing in 303 H in Ramlah. He distinguished himself as a preeminent hadith expert, celebrated for his unparalleled meticulousness in Jarah wa Ta'dil, critically assessing narrators' reliability. This rigorous approach ensured the authenticity of the Prophet's traditions, solidifying his esteemed position in Islamic scholarship.
- Full Name: Ahmad bin Syu’aib An-Nasa’i.
- Born: 215 H in Nasa’, Khurasan.
- Died: 303 H in Ramlah.
- Nickname: Abu Abdurrahman.
- Renowned Hadith Scholar, meticulous in criticism (Jarah wa Ta'dil).
How Did Imam An-Nasa’i Acquire His Extensive Knowledge and What Was His Scholarly Journey?
Imam An-Nasa’i began his quest for knowledge at a young age, demonstrating remarkable capacity for memorization. His dedication propelled him into extensive travels across the Islamic world, a fundamental practice for hadith scholars. He journeyed through diverse regions, including Khurasan, Iraq, Hijaz, Sham, and Egypt. During these travels, he diligently collected, verified, and studied hadith from countless esteemed teachers. This arduous academic pilgrimage ultimately led him to become a revered scholar in Egypt, where his profound expertise in hadith science was widely recognized.
- Memorized knowledge from a young age.
- Undertook extensive travels for hadith.
- Key regions: Khurasan, Iraq, Hijaz, Sham, Egypt.
- Became a prominent scholar in Egypt.
What Were Imam An-Nasa’i's Most Significant Literary Contributions to Islamic Scholarship?
Imam An-Nasa’i authored several foundational works that profoundly influenced Islamic scholarship, particularly in hadith. His magnum opus is "Sunan An-Nasa’i," also known as "Al-Mujtaba," holding a distinguished place as one of the six canonical hadith collections (Kutubus Sittah). This collection is highly esteemed for its rigorous methodology, meticulous compilation, and stringent conditions for accepting hadith. Other significant contributions include "As-Sunan Al-Kubra," "Amalul Yaum wal Lailah," "Khasais ‘Ali," and "Kitab Adh-Dhu’afa" on weak narrators.
- Sunan An-Nasa’i (Al-Mujtaba), a canonical hadith collection.
- As-Sunan Al-Kubra, a comprehensive hadith compilation.
- Amalul Yaum wal Lailah, focusing on daily practices.
- Khasais ‘Ali, detailing Ali ibn Abi Talib's virtues.
- Kitab Periwayat Lemah (Adh-Dhu’afa), on weak hadith narrators.
What Defined Imam An-Nasa’i's Exemplary Character and Scholarly Virtues?
Imam An-Nasa’i was distinguished by an exemplary character, marked by profound piety and unwavering adherence to religious principles. He was renowned for extreme meticulousness in hadith criticism, ensuring authenticity and reliability. His personal life reflected deep devotion, characterized by wara' (scrupulousness) and consistent acts of worship. Furthermore, he possessed remarkable courage, never hesitating to speak truth, even when unpopular or dangerous. This discipline extended to his rigorous methodology in evaluating hadith narrators, making him an undisputed authority in Islamic sciences.
- Highly meticulous in hadith verification.
- Possessed deep piety and scrupulousness (wara’).
- Demonstrated courage in upholding truth.
- Maintained strict discipline in assessing narrators.
Why Did Imam An-Nasa’i Face Severe Persecution and Violence in Damascus?
Imam An-Nasa’i encountered severe persecution in Damascus due to his principled stance on a sensitive religious matter. The local populace largely disliked Ali ibn Abi Talib. When asked to enumerate Mu’awiyah's virtues, Imam An-Nasa’i courageously stated he only knew a hadith containing a supplication against him. Instead of praising Mu’awiyah, he highlighted Ali's virtues. This defiance deeply angered fanatical individuals, leading to him being severely beaten and forcibly dragged out of the mosque, a tragic testament to his unwavering commitment to truth.
- Damascus society held negative sentiments towards Ali.
- Asked to mention Mu’awiyah's virtues.
- Cited a hadith with a supplication against Mu’awiyah.
- Highlighted Ali's virtues, defying popular sentiment.
- Fanatics reacted violently, beating and expelling him.
How Did Imam An-Nasa’i's Illustrious Life Conclude, and What Was His Legacy?
Imam An-Nasa’i's illustrious life tragically concluded as a direct consequence of the brutal beating he endured in Damascus. After sustaining critical injuries, he was moved to Ramlah, Palestine, where he eventually passed away. Many prominent scholars consider his death a martyrdom, recognizing his ultimate sacrifice for upholding religious truth and justice against misguided sentiment. His demise solidified his enduring legacy as a steadfast, uncompromising guardian of hadith knowledge, remembered for his rigorous methodology, unwavering principles, and profound courage.
- Suffered severe injuries from the assault.
- Relocated to Ramlah, Palestine, where he passed away.
- Considered a martyr by many scholars.
- Remembered as a firm guardian of hadith knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Imam An-Nasa’i primarily known for in Islamic scholarship?
He is primarily known for his meticulous hadith scholarship and his canonical work, "Sunan An-Nasa’i" (Al-Mujtaba), which stands as one of the six most authentic and revered hadith collections in Islam.
What led to Imam An-Nasa’i's persecution in Damascus?
His persecution stemmed from his refusal to praise Mu’awiyah and his courageous decision to instead highlight the virtues of Ali ibn Abi Talib, which deeply angered a fanatical segment of the Damascene population.
Which regions did Imam An-Nasa’i visit during his quest for knowledge?
He embarked on extensive travels across the Islamic world, visiting regions such as Khurasan, Iraq, Hijaz (Mecca and Medina), Sham (Greater Syria), and Egypt, to diligently collect and verify hadith.
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