The Story of Imam Malik Ibn Anas

In the golden city of Madina in the year 711 CE 93 boy was born who would grow to become one of Islam's greatest scholars imam Malik Iban Annis as child Malik was not particularly interested in books or study loved playing outdoors especially with pigeons and birds Malik often wandered the streets of Medina with his friends. One day when he was about 10 years old his father tested him. His father asked him question about religion, but Malik could not answer. His father, disappointed, told him that if he continued wasting his time, he would never amount to anything. This harsh truth struck Malik deeply, leaving him to ponder his future and the importance of knowledge. But Malik's mother encouraged him. She lovingly tied his turban and urged him to go to the mosque and seek knowledge. Inspired, Imam Malik dedicated himself to learning. He memorized the Quran and studied under the greatest scholars of the city. Over time, his passion for knowledge grew and he became known for his diligence and sincerity in his studies. Imam Malik studied under 900 teachers, including some of the most respected scholars of his time. By the age of 17, he was already teaching and at 21, he was recognized as mujahed, someone qualified to issue independent legal rulings. He became famous for his deep respect for Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, embodying the values he taught. Imam Malik would not narrate hadith while walking. He would sit out of respect for the prophet's words. He even refused to ride animals in Medina out of reverence for the city where the prophet had walked. His classes in the prophet's mosque attracted students from all over the Muslim world, eager to learn from him. Among his most famous students were Imam Shafi, Sufyan Althawari and Abdullah Ibn Mubarak who carried on his teachings. Imam Malik was known for his strict discipline and fairness. Everyone, even the caiff, had to sit among the students without special treatment. Imam Malik's fame and influence did not make him compromise his principles, standing firm in his beliefs. When the caiff's governor asked him to issue ruling in favor of the state, Imam Malik refused without hesitation. He was asked if coerced divorce was valid, politically sensitive question at the time, and he answered honestly. Imam Malik stated, "The divorce of the coerced does not take effect." For this, he was arrested and publicly flogged. His arms were dislocated, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs and teachings, refusing to back down. When the caiff learned of this, he dismissed the governor and apologized to Imam Malik for the injustice. Imam Malik is best known for compiling al- Muada, one of the earliest and most respected collections of Hadith and Islamic law. He carefully selected authentic narrations and organized them by topic, making it foundational text for Islamic juristprudence. Imam Bkari, another great Hadith scholar, praised Imam Malik's chain of narrators as the golden chain of transmission. Despite his fame, Imam Malik remained humble, never owning house and living simply throughout his life. He often rented the home of companion of the prophet, demonstrating his modest lifestyle and values. He was married once and had three sons and daughter. Fatima who became scholar herself and memorized the entire Muata. Imam Malik's teachings formed the Maliki school of thought which is followed by millions today especially in North and West Africa. He passed away in 795 CE at the age of 87 and was buried in the Baky cemetery in Medina. The Muslim world mourned his loss and his legacy as the knowledgeable scholar of Medina endures to this day.