Where did Imam Abū Hanīfah (rahimahu Allah) get the title Al-Imam Al-Azam?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Hereunder are comments of great luminaries of Islam who have referred to Imam Abū Hanīfah (rahimahu Allah) with honorable titles, including Al Imām Al A‘zam:

1). Makkī ibn Ibrahim (d. ca 215 a.h.[1]) said[2],

He (Abū Hanīfah) was the most knowledgeable of his time

2). ‘Abdullah ibn Mubārak (d.181 a.h.[3]) composed a poem[4],

Indeed the Imam of the Muslims, Abū Hanīfah, has beautified the lands and their inhabitants…

3). Imam Abu Al Hasan Al Ash‘arī (d. ca 330 a.h.[5]) says[6],

…And Al Imam Al A‘zam Abū Hanīfah is far from this accusation.

4). Imam Al Dabūsī (d.430[7]) discussing a principle says[8],

…And according to Al Imam Al A‘zam Abū Hanīfah (rahimahu Allah) the first applies and not the second.

5). Al Mawsilī (d.683[9]) mentions him in the foreword of Al Mukhtār[10],

…So someone whose compliance is necessary upon me requested that I compile for him a brief book in fiqh based on the madh-hab of Al Imam Al A‘zam Abū Hanīfah

6). Imam Al Dhahabī (d.748[11]) in writing Imam Abū Hanīfah’s biography introduces him as[12],

Abū Hanīfah, Al Imam Al A‘zam, the jurist of Iraq, Al Nu‘mān bin Thābit

7). Imam Al Safdī (d.764[13]) compiling those who have the title “Abū Hanīfah” says[14],

Abū Hanīfah, there are many, from amongst them: Al Imam Al A‘zam, the one who has a madh-hab, his name is Nu‘mān

8). Imam Al Qurashī (d.775[15]) in writing Imam Abū Hanīfah’s biography introduces him as[16],

Al Imam Al A‘zam, Abū Hanīfah Nu‘mānbin Thābit

Reading the biography of Imam Abū Hanīfah clarifies any doubt one may have of his excellence in ‘ilm and ‘amal.

You may find detailed discussions on the life of Imam Abū Hanīfah here: http://darulmaarif.com/reader-abu-hanifah/

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Hisham Dawood

Student, Darul Iftaa
Chicago, USA

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

www.daruliftaa.net