Download PDF: [S] He Taught from his Prison – a Well (Islamic story)

Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Sahl Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, known as “Shamsul A’immah Sarkhasi,” is considered as one the great Hanafi Jurists of his era. He was a citizen of Sarkhas in Khurasan. Among his famous treatises are the “Al Mabsut,” “Usul-e-Sarkhasi,” etc.

 

One day, he had reprimanded the ruler of the day and because of this he was imprisoned in a deep well. After being freed, he retired to a place called Farghanah and passed away in 483 A.H.

 

However, the students of the great Imam used to sit around the well and from this prison, Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu used to teach his students. Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu also never once complained about his condition. The time in prison never stopped him spreading Islam and also educating people about Islamic law. There were also no books available to him in this place and whatever he taught was from his memory.

 

In this state, Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu also wrote one of the most famous books on Hanafi law called “Mabsut Sarkhasi.” This book is the Sharah of another famous treatise called “Al Kafi.” This is in twelve volumes and is a summary of the Hanafi Sunni Laws of Jurisprudence. None of these issues stopped the Imam from spreading the message. In one remark, he mentioned, “At this place, a vast ocean of knowledge in meaning has been summarised in a few words and was completed the Sharah of this masterpiece. This has been written by that person who has been stopped from performing Jum’uah and joining the Congregational Salaah.”

 

Although Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu was released, his propagation and writing various masterpieces did not stop. He then departed for a city named “Farghanah.” In this city, the ruler, Ameer Hasan, gave him a warm welcome and displayed immense respect and decorum for him. When he came to know about his past, Ameer Hasan then organized a special Madressah for Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and also gave him all the requirements he needed to continue his writing. Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu also completed all the masterpieces which he had begun while imprisoned in the well.

 

When Allama Mohammed bin Ahmed Radi Allahu ‘Anhu reached the final stages of this Sharah, he remarked in a long breath, “The Sharah has been completed and as for those secrets which are hidden in these words, it has been written by that person who was imprisoned by those who are mischievous.”

 

Among the masterpieces which he has written while in this well were the Sharah of “Sair-e-Kabeer” which is the treatise of Imam Mohamed bin Hasan Ash Shaybani Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, the student of Imam Abu Hanifah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu. This treatise has also become famously known as “Usul-e-Sarkhasi.” It is said that when he arrived on the chapter which deals with laws pertaining to propagating Islam and Jihad which is “Kitaabus Sayr,” he was released from this well as his prison.

 

There is no doubt that in early Islam, such giants of religion were a symbol of sincerity and dedication. Many of them, such as Imam Ahmed bin Hambal Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, suffered hugely from corrupt leaders but none of them allowed themselves to be deviated from the right path of the Ahle Sunnah wa Jamaah. In the end, honour belonged to them while disgrace and ignominy belonged to those who oppressed them. (Al Fawaaidul Bahiyyah fi Taraajimul Hanafiyyah)