The Tolerance of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA)

THE TOLERANCE OF IMĀM ABU HANĪFA رحمه الله

Hazrat Moulana Abdullah Kāpaudrī حفظه الله mentioned that Hazrat Imām Abu Hanīfa رحمه الله was blessed with a very lofty position from Allah Ta'ala. He was no ordinary person; he held a lofty position in knowledge and piety and he was an extremely successful fabric merchant. One day a person followed him out of the Musjid and began hurling insults at him. Imām Sahib رحمه الله listened to everything silently and continued walking. The person also walked with him and continued hurling abuses at him. They eventually reached a point on the road where each one's house was in a different direction and each one would have to head towards his respective house. Hazrat Imām Sahib رحمه الله stopped at that point and said: "Brother, my path is changing now. If there is anything else you would like to say, you can say it to me. I will wait here so that you can fulfil your wish and speak as much as you like." The person was greatly ashamed when he heard the response from Hazrat Imām Abu Hanīfa Sahib رحمه الله.

LESSONS

1. When confronted by rude people, adopt silence. Engaging them will only aggravate the problem.

2. Hazratjee Moulana Maseehullah Khan Sahib رحمه الله repeatedly advised that even if we do have the opportunity to retaliate, maintain silence. Greater problems will be averted.

3. Tolerance towards those who are vulgar will result in one attaining a great status in the Aakhirah.

4. Our Akaabir (elders) have advised that if restraint is adopted (even if one is right), it will be a means of Allah Ta'ala overlooking ones faults on the day of Qiyaamah.

These are the life skills we learn from our pious predecessors where we are shown how to avoid conflicts and confrontation. May Allah Ta'ala bless us with the qualities of subduing our anger and adopting tolerance. Most certainly, it will be a means of success.
امين يا رب العالمين