The Compendium of Knowledge and Wisdom

Book excerpt: He then taught hadith, and fiqh according to Hanbali school, in the Jami` Bani Umayyah and other seats of learning in Damascus. Among his famous students include scholars like Abul-Fadl Ahmad ibn Nasr ibn Ahmad, the mufti of Egypt (d. 844 AH), Abu al-`Abbaas Ahmad ibn Abi Bakr ibn `Ali al-Hanbali (d. 844 AH), Dawud ibn Sulayman al-Mawsili [d. 844 AH] He was a leading scholar of the Hanbali school. His work al-Qawa`id al-kubra fi al-furu` is clear evidence of his expertise in fiqh, demonstrating an extreme, even exhaustive knowledge of the intricacies of detailed fiqh issues. He was known for piety, righteousness. His sermons were considered most effective, full of blessing and beneficial. People of all schools were unanimous as to his quality, and the hearts of the people were full of love for him. He did not get involved in any worldly business, nor visited people of material positions