Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr (رحمه الله)

Date of Birth and Death:

Born: 978 CE (368 AH)
Died: 1070 CE (463 AH)

Origin and Early Life:
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, full name Yusuf ibn Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Abd al-Barr al-Namari al-Andalusi, was born in Cordoba, Spain. He grew up in a scholarly environment and pursued a comprehensive education in various Islamic sciences.

Education and Teachers:
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr studied under numerous scholars in Andalusia, excelling in Hadith, Fiqh, and history. Some of his prominent teachers were:

Abu Umar Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Barr
Abu Muhammad ibn Hazm

Expertise and Works:
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr was renowned for his vast knowledge in Hadith and Fiqh. His significant works include:

“Al-Isti’ab fi Ma’rifat al-Ashab”: A comprehensive biographical dictionary of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
“Jami’ Bayan al-Ilm wa Fadlih”: A collection of Hadith emphasizing the virtues and etiquette of seeking knowledge.

Famous For:
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr is well-known for his meticulous scholarship and contributions to Hadith literature. His works are highly regarded in Islamic academia for their depth and precision.

Character and Piety:
Known for his humility and dedication to knowledge, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr was a deeply pious individual who spent his life teaching and writing.

Books and Teachings:
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr’s teachings continue to be influential, with his works studied in Islamic institutions worldwide. His balanced approach to Hadith and Fiqh has left a lasting legacy in Islamic scholarship.