ABSTRACT
Abū Hanīfa (c. 80/699-150/767) His full name was Abu Hanīfa al-Nu'mān b. Thābit. He gave his name to the Hanafī School of Islamic law which was really founded by his disciples rather than Abū Hanīfa himself. He was one of the most important jurists and theologians of early mediaeval Islam, living in al-Kūfa (q.v.) and becoming the most distinguished member of the law school there. Towards the end of his life he was imprisoned in Baghdad (q.v.) where he died. His views on jurisprudence were collected and recorded by his disciples. (See Hanafīs.) Abū Hurayra (died c. 58/678) Name of one of Muhammad's companions. His reputation is mainly based, however, on the huge number of traditions which he is said to have narrated. Because of this large quantity suspicion has frequently dogged his name. Yet in his lifetime he was known as a pious man and, later, al-Bukhārī (q.v.), Muslim b. al-Hajjāj (q.v.) and Ahmad b. Hanbal (q.v.) had no hesitation in incorporating his traditions in their collections. (See Hadīth; Sahāba.) Abū Jahl (c. AD 570-2/624) A member of the Makhzūm (q.v.) clan of the tribe of Quraysh (q.v.) and a fierce opponent of the Prophet Muhammad while the latter was still in Mecca (q.v.) before the hijra (q.v.). After that event Abū Jahl was killed fighting against Muhammad at the Battle of Badr. (See Badr, Battle of; Sumayya bint Khubbāt) Abū Lahab See 'Abd al-'Uzzā b. 'Abd al-Muttalib
Abu 'l-Hudhayl al-'Allāf (born between 135/752-3 and 131/ 748-9; died between 226/840-1 and 235/849-50) Leading
