Imam Abu Hanifah’s Devotion: Surah Az-Zalzalah and Nightlong Reflections

Introduction: Imam Abu Hanifah and the Lessons of Devotion

Among the most touching stories told about the righteous scholars are those that reveal their deep faith and Imam Abu Hanifah’s Devotion and reverence for Allah Almighty. Imam Abu Hanifah Al-Nu‘man—may Allah have mercy on him—is a luminous example. His heart was moved by a single recitation of Surah Al-Zalzalah, keeping him awake in contemplation from the night prayer until dawn. This story offers profound lessons of faith and true humility.

The Story: Imam Abu Hanifah’s Night of Khushu with Surah Az-Zalzalah

The mosque’s muezzin narrated:

“One night, I prayed the ‘Isha prayer behind Imam Abu Hanifa. During the prayer, I recited Surah Al-Zalzalah (The Earthquake), specifically the verses:

‘So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.’ (Quran 99:7-8)”

When the prayer ended and people left the mosque, only the Imam and I remained.

The Verse that Shook the Imam’s Heart Until Dawn

“I noticed Abu Hanifa sitting quietly, deep in thought, breathing heavily as if the verse had taken root in his heart. I said to myself, ‘I should leave so his heart won’t be distracted by my presence.’ So I left the mosque, leaving behind the small oil lamp that barely had enough oil to last through the night.

“When I returned at dawn,” the muezzin continued, “I found the Imam still sitting in the same place. He was softly repeating:

‘O You who rewards for an atom’s weight of good with good, and punishes for an atom’s weight of evil with evil, save Your servant Al-Nu‘man from the Fire, and admit him into the vastness of Your mercy.’”

I looked at the lamp and saw that it was still glowing with light. The Imam Abu Hanifah, unaware that dawn had come, said to me:

“Do you want to take the lamp?”

I replied, “O Imam, dawn has already broken.”

He then said, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen.” Then he stood, prayed two rak‘ahs, and joined us for the Fajr prayer—with the same ablution he had used for ‘Isha.

The muezzin said, “I never told this story to anyone until after the Imam’s death.”

 Lessons Learned: Drawing Insights from Imam Abu Hanifah’s Devotion

This profound incident showcases the highest level of Imam Abu Hanifah’s Devotion and teaches us crucial lessons and reflections on true piety:

• The Mark of Scholars: The fear of Allah and humility are the true marks of righteous scholars.
• True Pondering: True pondering of the Qur’an brings hearts to life—it is not mere recitation but deep contemplation of meaning.
• Sincerity in Worship: Sincerity in worship makes a believer forget the world and feel only closeness to Allah.
• Accountability: We should pause at the verses of the Qur’an as Abu Hanifa did—reflecting deeply on our deeds and destiny, knowing that every atom’s weight will be accounted for.

Conclusion: A Prayer for True Humility

How beautiful it is to learn from the lives of the righteous how the Qur’an touched their hearts and shaped their actions. May Allah grant us reflection like theirs, humility like theirs, and faith that fills our hearts as it filled the heart of Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Nu‘man.