The story of Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu 'anhu), and his neighbor

[Basicofislam]

The story of Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu 'anhu), and his neighbor
It is well known that Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu 'anhu), did tahajjut every night. He would spend his night reciting the Quran. He had a neighbor who was an alcoholic, and he used to drink a lot and sing love poems. This used to bother the imam.

But one day, the imam did not hear this man's revelry, so he went and asked about him. They said, "Oh, so-and-so. They took him to jail." So, the very well respected imam went to the jail. He was the most respected imam and qaadi at the time in that place. When the ruler found out the imam went to the jail, he asked for the reason and was told that the imam was concerned about his neighbor who had been arrested. So, the ruler said to release the man, and he was released.

The neighbor then asked Abu Hanifa why he did that, and he replied, "Because you have a right upon me as a neighbor, and I have not been neglectful of that." That was the reason that the neighbor made tauba to Allah subhâna wa ta'âla [that is: embraced islam].

 

[Aapa]

Salaam,

It was what I had to read tonight.

 

[visionusman]

Thank you for sharing the story of one of Islam's finest man ever. However the title of Radhi Allahu Anhu has been used by the Quran for the sahaba only and should not be used for any one else. Rahmat Ullah Allaih is probably more appropriate for Imaam Abu Haneefah.

 

[nazir]

Asalaamu Alaykum,
May Allah have mercy upon Abu Hanifah and elevate his rank in the Akhirah. He was a great Imaam and well learned masha'Allah. And May Allah bless all the Imaams of this Ummah and enable us to tread in their way of seeking knowledge and beautifying our worship of Allah azza wa Jal. The Salaf as-Salih were particularly keen in their desire to please their Rabb so they dedicated their limbs and heart in the remembrance of Allah.

Brother Ayman the dua that Abu Hanifa rehimahullah made: "O God, make me better than they think and forgive me what they don't know!" is actually an invocation made by our beloved Rasool alayhi salaatu wassalaam on what to say when one is praised:

"O Allah , do not call me to account for what they say and forgive me for what they have no knowledge of [and make me better than they imagine]"
Collected in Sahih Al-Adabul Mufrad no.761 by Al Bhukhari and authenticated by Albaani. The portion in the brackets is from Al Bayhaqi. If you have got Fortress of the Muslim i.e. Hisnul Muslim it is on page 168 insha'Allah.

May Allah forgive me for anything i have said wrongly.
Wassalaam

 

[visionusman]

Rahimullah also means the same, but radhi allah hu anhu has always been used only for the sahaba by all scholars because that is the title given to the sahaba by the quran. The debate is lengthy. I propsoe you ask a learned person.