Imam Abu Hanifa's Advice to His Students

Imam Abu Hanifa's Advice to His Students
Unknown
*When you enter Basra, the people will welcome you, come to visit you, and acknowledge your right (upon them). Give each person their due maqam, honor those who are noble in charactar and those of knowledge, respect your elders, treat children and the youth with gentleness and kindness, stay close to the common people, adopt the company of good people, treat as normal those of authority and power, whether a king or qadi (so as to save them from arrogance). Never low down or have contempt for anyone. Do not depend on anyone's friendship without having tested it, and do not befriend a bad person.

*Do not be too free and easy-going with foolish acquaintances, make sabr, good akhlaq, an open treat and a mind compulsory upon yourself, wear new clothes and fulfill your own needs without asking others.

*Be punctual and regular in your salah. And invite your relatives and friends because a miserlyl person can never lead others. Be informed of other's people's state of affairs (so as to help them).

*Whether people come to see you or not, treat them in a good way and go visit them. Whether a person behaves in a good way or badly with you, behave in a good way with them and always be willing to forgive. Enjoin others to good and never be heedless. If someone intentionally pains or hurts you, leave them and never think of taking revenge. When those you are acquainted with fall ill or are in difficulty, then personally go and inquire after them. In the same way, if someone stops coming to you than inquire after them.

*If someone talks badly of you, say well about them. Congratulate people on any happiness or success they receive, and reassure those who are in difficulty.

*Always keep your heart free of any negative feelings for others. Always be truthful and put arrogance and pride to one side because Allah (S) does not like arrogance and pride, and never deceive or betray anyone.

*Even if people may try to deceive you never betray them and fulfill your promises. Behave with those who are not of your religion in an approved manner.

Then Abu Hanifa told his students, "If you hold on to this advice firmly, it is hoped you will be saved from all kinds of evils and difficulties."


--
Saima Malik