ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani (رحمه الله)

Date of Birth and Death

Born: February 18, 1372 (25 Sha’ban 773 AH) in Cairo, Egypt
Died: February 2, 1449 (28 Dhu al-Hijjah 852 AH) in Cairo, Egypt

Origin and Early Life

Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, commonly known as Ibn Hajar, was born in Cairo, Egypt. He was an esteemed Islamic scholar known for his extensive contributions to hadith studies. Ibn Hajar showed early signs of exceptional intelligence and a passion for learning. His family was dedicated to his education, and he quickly excelled in his studies.

Education and Teachers

Ibn Hajar studied under numerous renowned scholars of his time, benefiting from their vast knowledge and experience. His primary teachers included:

• Al-Iraqi: A prominent scholar in hadith.
• Zain al-Din al-‘Iraqi: Known for his expertise in hadith.
• Al-Bulqini: An authority in Islamic jurisprudence.
• Al-Zabidi: A distinguished scholar in various Islamic sciences.

Expertise and Works

Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani was a distinguished scholar in the fields of hadith, Fiqh, and Islamic history. His works are celebrated for their depth and scholarly rigor. Some of his most notable works include:

• “Fath al-Bari”: An extensive commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, regarded as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative commentaries in hadith literature.
• “Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah”: A biographical dictionary of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• “Lisan al-Mizan”: A critical work on the reliability of hadith transmitters.
• “Bulugh al-Maram”: A compilation of hadith used as a reference in Islamic jurisprudence.

Famous For

Ibn Hajar is renowned for his meticulous scholarship in hadith. His commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, “Fath al-Bari,” is considered a monumental achievement in Islamic scholarship. He was also known for his roles as a teacher and judge, significantly contributing to Islamic education and legal rulings in Cairo.

Character and Piety

Ibn Hajar was highly respected for his humility, integrity, and dedication to Islamic scholarship. His students and contemporaries admired him for his deep knowledge, wise judgment, and the sincere manner in which he approached his studies and teaching. He was known for his piety, often engaging in acts of worship and charity.

Books and Teachings

The teachings of Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani continue to influence Islamic scholarship through his many written works and recorded teachings. His methodical approach to hadith studies and Islamic jurisprudence has made his works essential reading for students and scholars of Islam around the world. His legacy endures through the vast corpus of literature he left behind and the many scholars he influenced.