Imam Abu Hanifa, May Allah Mercy be Upon Him: A Beacon of Knowledge in the Realm of Scholars and Hadith Masters (Part 11)
The Relationship of a Scholar with Others
1. When you enter Basra, and the people come to welcome you and respect your rights, you should also recognize the value of everyone according to their own worth.
2. Respect scholars and elders.
3. Deal with events calmly.
4. Do not secede from the community.
5. Bear with bad people.
6. Associate with the best.
7. Whoever comes to you, do not despise him.
8. Do not neglect your love for others.
9. Do not tell your secrets to anyone.
10. Do not trust anyone until you have tested him/her.
11. Do not serve misers and low-value individuals.
12. Do not say a word that you will be blamed for.
13. Do not be easygoing with the frivolous, and do not joke with them.
14. Tolerate, be patient, improve your morals, and have the ability to show benevolence.
15. Seek to understand the condition of those around you and try to improve them. Use gentleness in correcting and disciplining them, and do not blame them too harshly. Do not discipline yourself in front of them, as this could undermine your charisma.
16. You should have a close friend who gives you honest opinions about yourself. If the feedback is negative, try to correct it; if it is positive, strive to do even better.
17. Visit those who visit you and those who do not. Do good to those who have treated you well or poorly.
18. Strive to pay the rights of others.
19. If one of your friends falls ill, visit him yourself and inquire about his condition.
20. If you do not find a friend among your acquaintances, ask about his condition; do not avoid those who avoid you.
21. Do not sever your relationship with a person who has been disloyal to you.
22. Honor those who come to you.
23. Forgive those who have wronged you.
24. If someone remembers you poorly, remember him well.
25. Pay respects to the deceased and attend their funeral.
26. Congratulate those who are happy.
27. Offer sympathy to someone who has a problem.
28. Console those who are sad or worried.
29. Help those who seek your assistance.
30. Respond to the calls of those in need.
31. Love people as much as you can.
32. Greet all people, even those you may find difficult.
33. Do not oppose someone who raises an issue in a scientific assembly that contradicts your point of view. If asked, respond thoughtfully and acknowledge their perspective, but then present your own viewpoint respectfully by stating, “It is the opinion of some jurists.” This shows respect and may lead to recognition of your position. Teach those who disagree with you about other relevant issues, focusing on significant matters rather than trivial ones.
34. Befriend them and occasionally engage in light-hearted joking.
35. Communicate openly, as this fosters friendship, affection, and a commitment to learning.
36. Offer them food occasionally.
37. Attend to their needs.
38. Honor their positions.
39. Overlook their mistakes.
40. Be kind and approachable.
41. Do not feel discouraged around them; consider yourself one of them.
42. Treat others with the same kindness you wish for yourself.
43. Honor trusts, even if others betray them.
If you follow my advice, I hope you will have a fulfilling life.
Yusuf bin Khalid Samati states: After giving me numerous pieces of advice, he provided me with money, clothes, and baggage, accompanying me and shouldering my burden. He gathered his friends and sent me off, while my teacher himself accompanied me to the edge of the Euphrates Lake, and we bid each other farewell.
When I arrived in Basra, I acted according to the Imam’s instructions; it was not long before everyone became friends with me. Imam Abu Hanifah’s sect and jurisprudence spread in Basra as extensively as it had in Kufa.
