People

The Prophet's paternal uncle, titled 'The Lion of Allah' and 'The Master of the Martyrs.' Hamzah's conversion was a turning point for early Islam, and he was martyred at the Battle of Uhud.

Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

أبو بكر الصديق

b. 573 — d. 634

The first adult male to accept Islam and the first Rightly-Guided Caliph.

Amr ibn al-As

عمرو بن العاص

b. 573 — d. 664

Conqueror of Egypt and a shrewd political and military leader.

Uthman ibn Affan

عثمان بن عفان

b. 577 — d. 656

The third Rightly-Guided Caliph who commissioned the standardized compilation of the Quran.

Abdurrahman ibn Awf

عبد الرحمن بن عوف

b. 580 — d. 652

One of the ten promised Paradise, a wealthy companion who gave generously for Islam.

Bilal ibn Rabah

بلال بن رباح

b. 580 — d. 640

The first muezzin of Islam, an Abyssinian former slave who endured severe torture for his faith.

One of the ten promised Paradise and among the first eight to accept Islam. Abdur-Rahman was renowned for his immense wealth and extraordinary generosity, donating vast sums to support the Muslim community and its military campaigns.

Abu Dhar al-Ghifari

أبو ذر الغفاري

b. 580 — d. 653

One of the earliest converts, known for his extreme asceticism and outspoken advocacy for the poor. The Prophet described him as the most truthful in speech, likening his solitary devotion to that of Isa ibn Maryam.

Zayd ibn Harithah

زيد بن حارثة

b. 581 — d. 629

Adopted son of the Prophet and the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran.

Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah

أبو عبيدة بن الجراح

b. 583 — d. 639

One of the ten promised Paradise, called the trustee of this ummah by the Prophet.

Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah

أبو عبيدة بن الجراح

b. 583 — d. 639

One of the ten promised Paradise, called by the Prophet 'the Trustworthy One of this Ummah.' Abu Ubaydah served as the supreme commander of the Muslim armies in the Levant and died during the Plague of Amwas.

Umar ibn al-Khattab

عمر بن الخطاب

b. 584 — d. 644

The second Rightly-Guided Caliph, known as al-Faruq for distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Khalid ibn al-Walid

خالد بن الوليد

b. 585 — d. 642

Called Sayf Allah (Sword of Allah) by the Prophet, one of the greatest military commanders in history.

Jafar ibn Abi Talib

جعفر بن أبي طالب

b. 590 — d. 629

Brother of Ali who led the migration to Abyssinia and was martyred at the Battle of Mutah.

Zaynab bint Jahsh

زينب بنت جحش

b. 590 — d. 641

Wife of the Prophet whose marriage to him was commanded by Allah in the Quran.

Sad ibn Muadh

سعد بن معاذ

b. 591 — d. 627

Chief of the Aws tribe whose judgment on Banu Qurayza matched the judgment of Allah.

Said ibn Zayd

سعيد بن زيد

b. 593 — d. 673

One of the ten promised Paradise, among the earliest converts to Islam.

Abdullah ibn Masud

عبد الله بن مسعود

b. 594 — d. 653

One of the earliest converts and foremost Quran reciters, the Prophet told people to learn Quran from him.

Talhah ibn Ubaydullah

طلحة بن عبيد الله

b. 594 — d. 656

One of the ten promised Paradise and among the first eight to embrace Islam. Talhah was renowned for his bravery at the Battle of Uhud, where he shielded the Prophet with his own body, sustaining severe wounds.

Zubayr ibn al-Awwam

الزبير بن العوام

b. 594 — d. 656

One of the ten promised Paradise and the son of the Prophet's aunt Safiyyah. Az-Zubayr was the first to draw his sword in defense of Islam and fought in every major battle alongside the Prophet.

Asma bint Abi Bakr

أسماء بنت أبي بكر

b. 595 — d. 692

Daughter of Abu Bakr who helped the Prophet during the Hijrah, called Dhat an-Nitaqayn (She of the Two Girdles).

Talha ibn Ubaidullah

طلحة بن عبيد الله

b. 596 — d. 656

One of the ten promised Paradise who shielded the Prophet with his body at Uhud.

Zubair ibn al-Awwam

الزبير بن العوام

b. 596 — d. 656

One of the ten promised Paradise, the disciple (hawari) of the Prophet.

Umm Salamah

أم سلمة

b. 596 — d. 680

Wife of the Prophet known for her wisdom, intelligence, and counsel.

Ali ibn Abi Talib

علي بن أبي طالب

b. 599 — d. 661

The fourth Rightly-Guided Caliph, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, known for his bravery and knowledge.

Sad ibn Abi Waqqas

سعد بن أبي وقاص

b. 600 — d. 675

One of the ten promised Paradise, conqueror of Persia and founder of Kufa.

Abu Musa al-Ashari

أبو موسى الأشعري

b. 602 — d. 672

A companion praised for his beautiful Quran recitation, appointed governor of Basra and Kufa.

Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan

معاوية بن أبي سفيان

b. 602 — d. 680

Companion and scribe of revelation who became the first Umayyad caliph.

Abu Hurairah

أبو هريرة

b. 603 — d. 681

The most prolific narrator of hadith among the Companions, transmitting over 5,300 hadith.

Muadh ibn Jabal

معاذ بن جبل

b. 603 — d. 639

The most knowledgeable of the ummah in halal and haram according to the Prophet.

Hafsa bint Umar

حفصة بنت عمر

b. 605 — d. 665

Wife of the Prophet, daughter of Umar, and guardian of the first written copy of the Quran.

Fatimah bint Muhammad

فاطمة بنت محمد

b. 605 — d. 632

Youngest daughter of the Prophet and wife of Ali, leader of the women of Paradise.

Jabir ibn Abdullah

جابر بن عبد الله

b. 607 — d. 697

A prolific narrator of hadith and one of the last surviving companions in Medina.

Zaid ibn Thabit

زيد بن ثابت

b. 611 — d. 665

Chief scribe of the Prophet who led the compilation of the Quran under Abu Bakr and Uthman.

Zayd ibn Thabit

زيد بن ثابت

b. 611 — d. 665

The chief scribe of the Prophet's revelation and a master of multiple languages. Zayd was tasked by Abu Bakr with the first compilation of the Quran into a single manuscript, a monumental effort in preserving the divine text.

Anas ibn Malik

أنس بن مالك

b. 612 — d. 711

Servant of the Prophet for ten years and one of the last Companions to die, narrating over 2,200 hadith.

Aisha bint Abi Bakr

عائشة بنت أبي بكر

b. 613 — d. 678

Wife of the Prophet and one of the greatest scholars of Islam, narrating over 2,200 hadith.

Abu Said al-Khudri

أبو سعيد الخدري

b. 613 — d. 693

A major hadith narrator from the Ansar who participated in twelve battles with the Prophet.

Abdullah ibn Umar

عبد الله بن عمر

b. 614 — d. 693

Son of Caliph Umar, known for his strict adherence to the Sunnah and narration of approximately 2,630 hadith.

Usama ibn Zayd

أسامة بن زيد

b. 615 — d. 674

Son of Zayd ibn Harithah, the beloved of the Prophet, appointed commander of an army at age seventeen.

Sumayyah bint Khayyat

سمية بنت خياط

d. 615

The first martyr in Islam, killed by Abu Jahl for refusing to renounce her faith.

Abdullah ibn Amr

عبد الله بن عمرو

b. 616 — d. 684

A devout companion who had permission from the Prophet to write down hadith, narrating approximately 700.

Abdullah ibn Abbas

عبد الله بن عباس

b. 619 — d. 687

Known as the interpreter of the Quran (Tarjuman al-Quran), the Prophet prayed for his understanding.

Abdullah ibn Zubayr

عبد الله بن الزبير

b. 622 — d. 692

The first child born among the Muhajirun in Madinah and the son of Zubayr ibn al-Awwam and Asma bint Abi Bakr. He declared a rival caliphate in Makkah that lasted nearly a decade, known for his courage and devotion to worship.

Abdullah ibn az-Zubair

عبد الله بن الزبير

b. 624 — d. 692

The first child born among the Muhajirun in Medina, later declared caliph.

Hasan ibn Ali

الحسن بن علي

b. 625 — d. 670

Grandson of the Prophet who abdicated the caliphate to unite the Muslims, fulfilling a prophecy.

Hassan ibn Ali

الحسن بن علي

b. 625 — d. 670

The eldest grandson of the Prophet through Fatimah and Ali, called by the Prophet 'the leader of the youth of Paradise.' Hassan briefly became caliph after Ali's death but ceded power to Muawiyah, uniting the Muslim ummah and fulfilling the Prophet's prophecy.

Husain ibn Ali

الحسين بن علي

b. 626 — d. 680

Grandson of the Prophet, martyred at Karbala.

Husayn ibn Ali

الحسين بن علي

b. 626 — d. 680

The younger grandson of the Prophet through Fatimah and Ali, called by the Prophet 'the leader of the youth of Paradise.' Husayn was martyred at the Battle of Karbala, an event of profound significance in Islamic history.

Abdullah ibn Rawahah

عبد الله بن رواحة

d. 629

One of the three commanders at the Battle of Mutah, martyred in that battle.

Umm Ayman

أم أيمن

d. 644

The Prophet nursemaid from childhood, he called her his mother after his own mother.

Ubayy ibn Kab

أبي بن كعب

d. 649

Called the master of the Quran reciters by the Prophet.

Abu Dharr al-Ghifari

أبو ذر الغفاري

d. 652

An early convert known for his asceticism and outspoken truthfulness.

Abu al-Darda

أبو الدرداء

d. 652

A wise companion known for his asceticism and teaching in Damascus.

Abu Talhah al-Ansari

أبو طلحة الأنصاري

d. 654

A prominent Ansari companion known for his bravery and generosity at Uhud.

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

حذيفة بن اليمان

d. 656

The keeper of the Prophet secret regarding the hypocrites.

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari

أبو أيوب الأنصاري

d. 674

Hosted the Prophet in his home when he first arrived in Medina during the Hijrah.

Sawdah bint Zamah

سودة بنت زمعة

d. 674

The second wife of the Prophet after Khadijah, known for her generosity.

Umm Waraqah

أم ورقة

A female companion who had memorized the Quran and was permitted by the Prophet to lead her household in prayer.

Khawlah bint Thalabah

خولة بنت ثعلبة

The woman who argued with the Prophet about her husband, prompting the revelation of Surah al-Mujadilah.

Nusaybah bint Kaab

نسيبة بنت كعب

A female companion who fought to protect the Prophet at the Battle of Uhud.

Tabi'in (Successors)

Said ibn al-Musayyib

سعيد بن المسيب

b. 637 — d. 715

The leading jurist of Medina among the Tabiin and one of the seven fuqaha of Medina.

Musa ibn Nusayr

موسى بن نصير

b. 640 — d. 716

Umayyad governor of North Africa (Ifriqiya) who oversaw the conquest of the Maghreb and launched the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula under his commander Tariq ibn Ziyad.

Amir ash-Shabi

عامر بن شراحيل الشعبي

b. 641 — d. 721

A prominent Tabii jurist and judge of Kufa known for his extraordinary memory.

Hasan al-Basri

الحسن البصري

b. 642 — d. 728

One of the greatest Tabiin, renowned for his piety, eloquence, and deep knowledge.

Mujahid ibn Jabr

مجاهد بن جبر

b. 642 — d. 722

A leading Tabii mufassir who studied the entire Quran with Ibn Abbas three times.

Al-Hasan al-Basri

الحسن البصري

b. 642 — d. 728

One of the most celebrated Tabi'in, renowned for his eloquence, asceticism, and profound piety. Al-Hasan al-Basri was a towering figure in early Islamic scholarship whose circle in Basra shaped theology, jurisprudence, and Sufi thought for centuries.

Urwah ibn az-Zubair

عروة بن الزبير

b. 644 — d. 713

One of the seven fuqaha of Medina and a pioneer of seerah, nephew of Aisha.

Urwah ibn az-Zubayr

عروة بن الزبير

b. 644 — d. 713

One of the seven great jurists of Madinah and a pioneer of Islamic historiography. The son of Zubayr ibn al-Awwam and Asma bint Abi Bakr, Urwah transmitted extensively from his aunt Aisha and is considered a founder of the sirah genre.

Ata ibn Abi Rabah

عطاء بن أبي رباح

b. 647 — d. 732

The mufti of Mecca among the Tabiin, known for his vast knowledge of Hajj rituals.

Muhammad ibn Sirin

محمد بن سيرين

b. 654 — d. 729

A leading Tabii of Basra, famous for dream interpretation and strict adherence to hadith.

al-Qasim ibn Muhammad

القاسم بن محمد

b. 660 — d. 728

Grandson of Abu Bakr and one of the seven fuqaha of Medina.

Ibrahim an-Nakhai

إبراهيم النخعي

b. 666 — d. 717

The leading faqih of Kufa among the Tabiin, a key figure in the development of Hanafi fiqh.

Ibn Shihab az-Zuhri

ابن شهاب الزهري

b. 671 — d. 742

Pioneer of hadith recording and one of the most important narrators, teacher of Malik and others.

Az-Zuhri

محمد بن شهاب الزهري

b. 671 — d. 742

One of the greatest hadith scholars in Islamic history and the first to systematically compile hadith on the orders of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. Az-Zuhri was a crucial link in innumerable chains of narration and a principal teacher of both Malik and al-Awza'i.

Qatadah ibn Diamah

قتادة بن دعامة

b. 680 — d. 735

A blind Tabii scholar of Basra renowned for his knowledge of tafsir and hadith.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz

عمر بن عبد العزيز

b. 681 — d. 720

The eighth Umayyad caliph, often called the fifth Rightly Guided Caliph for his justice and piety. Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz reversed oppressive policies, established state welfare, and commissioned the first official compilation of hadith.

Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz

عمر بن عبد العزيز

b. 682 — d. 720

The fifth Rightly-Guided Caliph, an Umayyad ruler who restored justice and is counted among the Tabiin.

Ayyub as-Sakhtiyani

أيوب السختياني

b. 685 — d. 748

One of the most reliable and pious hadith transmitters among the later Tabi'in. Ayyub was universally praised by hadith critics for his precision and was a key teacher in the Basran school of hadith, transmitting from major scholars like Nafi' and Ibn Sirin.

Abu Hanifah

أبو حنيفة النعمان

b. 699 — d. 767

Founder of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, the most widely followed madhab in the world.

Imam Abu Hanifah

أبو حنيفة النعمان

b. 699 — d. 767

Founder of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, the most widely followed madhab in the world. Known as al-Imam al-A'zam (the greatest imam) for his deep understanding of fiqh.

Ubaidullah ibn Abdullah

عبيد الله بن عبد الله

d. 716

One of the seven fuqaha of Medina, teacher of az-Zuhri.

Kharijah ibn Zayd

خارجة بن زيد

d. 718

Son of the scribe Zayd ibn Thabit and one of the seven fuqaha of Medina.

Tariq ibn Ziyad

طارق بن زياد

d. 720

Berber Muslim military commander who led the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 92 AH (711 CE). The Rock of Gibraltar (Jabal Tariq) is named after him.

Sulayman ibn Yasar

سليمان بن يسار

d. 722

One of the seven fuqaha of Medina and a freed slave of the Prophet wife Maymunah.

Ikrimah mawla ibn Abbas

عكرمة مولى ابن عباس

d. 723

Student and freed slave of Ibn Abbas, a leading authority on tafsir.

Tawus ibn Kaysan

طاوس بن كيسان

d. 724

A leading scholar of Yemen among the Tabiin, student of Ibn Abbas.

Salim ibn Abdullah

سالم بن عبد الله

d. 725

Grandson of Umar and one of the seven fuqaha of Medina, known for his strict following of the Sunnah.

Nafi mawla ibn Umar

نافع مولى ابن عمر

d. 735

Freed slave and student of Ibn Umar, a key link in the golden chain of narration (Malik from Nafi from Ibn Umar).

Tabi' at-Tabi'in

Ibn Ishaq

ابن إسحاق

b. 704 — d. 768

Author of the earliest biography of Prophet Muhammad, preserved through Ibn Hisham editing.

al-Awzai

الأوزاعي

b. 707 — d. 774

The leading scholar of the Levant whose madhab was dominant in Syria and al-Andalus before being replaced.

Malik ibn Anas

مالك بن أنس

b. 711 — d. 795

Founder of the Maliki school and author of al-Muwatta, the Imam of Dar al-Hijrah (Medina).

Imam Malik ibn Anas

مالك بن أنس

b. 711 — d. 795

Founder of the Maliki school of jurisprudence and author of al-Muwatta, one of the earliest compilations of hadith and fiqh. Known as the Imam of Dar al-Hijrah.

al-Layth ibn Sad

الليث بن سعد

b. 713 — d. 791

The leading scholar of Egypt in his time, said by some to be more knowledgeable than Malik.

Layth ibn Sa'd

الليث بن سعد

b. 713 — d. 791

The greatest scholar of Egypt in his era, whom ash-Shafi'i considered more knowledgeable than Malik in fiqh. Al-Layth was enormously wealthy and legendarily generous, reportedly spending his entire annual income of 80,000 dinars in charity. His school of fiqh did not survive due to lack of students who codified it.

Sufyan ath-Thawri

سفيان الثوري

b. 716 — d. 778

Called the Commander of the Believers in Hadith, a major faqih and muhaddith of Kufa.

Sufyan ibn Uyaynah

سفيان بن عيينة

b. 725 — d. 814

A leading muhaddith and scholar of Mecca, teacher of ash-Shafii and many hadith masters.

Al-Fudayl ibn Iyad

الفضيل بن عياض

b. 725 — d. 803

A renowned ascetic and hadith transmitter who, according to tradition, was a highway robber before his dramatic repentance upon hearing a Quranic verse. Al-Fudayl settled in Makkah and became one of the most revered spiritual authorities of his age, known for making Harun ar-Rashid weep.

Abu Yusuf

أبو يوسف

b. 731 — d. 798

The chief student of Abu Hanifah and the first to hold the title of Chief Justice (Qadi al-Qudat).

Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak

عبد الله بن المبارك

b. 736 — d. 797

A polymath scholar praised as 'the scholar of the East,' combining mastery of hadith, fiqh, jihad, and commerce. Ibn al-Mubarak authored some of the earliest hadith compilations, was a wealthy merchant who donated generously, and regularly participated in frontier defense.

Yahya ibn Sa'id al-Qattan

يحيى بن سعيد القطان

b. 738 — d. 813

One of the founding fathers of hadith criticism (ilm ar-rijal), al-Qattan set the standards for evaluating narrator reliability that later scholars like al-Bukhari and Muslim built upon. Ahmad ibn Hanbal considered him the most knowledgeable person in hadith criticism of his time.

Waki ibn al-Jarrah

وكيع بن الجراح

b. 746 — d. 812

A leading muhaddith and teacher of Ahmad ibn Hanbal and ash-Shafii.

Muhammad ash-Shaybani

محمد بن الحسن الشيباني

b. 749 — d. 805

Student of Abu Hanifah who codified the Hanafi madhab in six foundational texts.

Abdurrahman ibn Mahdi

عبد الرحمن بن مهدي

b. 752 — d. 813

A leading hadith critic and teacher of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, pivotal in developing hadith criticism methodology.

Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafii

محمد بن إدريس الشافعي

b. 767 — d. 820

Founder of the Shafii school and pioneer of usul al-fiqh with his foundational work al-Risalah.

Classical Era

Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi

الخليل بن أحمد الفراهيدي

b. 718 — d. 786

Arab polymath, teacher of Sibawaih, and inventor of Arabic prosody (ilm al-arud). Compiled Kitab al-Ayn, the first comprehensive Arabic dictionary, and laid the foundations of Arabic grammatical theory.

Jabir ibn Hayyan

جابر بن حيان

b. 721 — d. 815

Muslim polymath known as the father of chemistry (al-kimiya). Introduced experimental methodology and systematic classification of substances, and invented distillation, crystallization, and other foundational chemical processes.

Ibn al-Mubarak

ابن المبارك

b. 736 — d. 797

A versatile scholar excelling in hadith, fiqh, jihad, and asceticism, called the Commander of the Believers in Hadith.

Abd ar-Razzaq as-Sanani

عبد الرزاق الصنعاني

b. 744 — d. 827

Author of al-Musannaf, one of the earliest and most important hadith compilations.

Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani

محمد بن الحسن الشيباني

b. 750 — d. 805

A principal student of Abu Hanifah who codified Hanafi jurisprudence in six foundational texts known as Zahir ar-Riwayah. Also studied under Imam Malik in Medina.

Sibawaih

سيبويه

b. 760 — d. 796

Persian grammarian known as the father of Arabic grammar. His monumental work al-Kitab is the first comprehensive and systematic grammar of the Arabic language and remains the foundational reference in Arabic linguistics.

Harun ar-Rashid

هارون الرشيد

b. 766 — d. 809

Fifth Abbasid caliph who presided over the Islamic Golden Age. A patron of scholars and learning who established the legendary Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad, making it the intellectual capital of the world.

Imam Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafi'i

محمد بن إدريس الشافعي

b. 767 — d. 820

Founder of the Shafi'i school and pioneer of usul al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence). His book al-Risalah is the first systematic work on Islamic legal theory.

Ibn Abi Shaybah

ابن أبي شيبة

b. 775 — d. 849

Author of al-Musannaf, one of the largest early hadith compilations with athar of the Companions.

Yahya ibn Main

يحيى بن معين

b. 775 — d. 847

One of the greatest hadith critics in history, pioneered the science of narrator evaluation.

Ali ibn al-Madini

علي بن المديني

b. 778 — d. 849

Imam al-Bukhari teacher and one of the greatest experts in hadith chains and narrator criticism.

Ahmad ibn Hanbal

أحمد بن حنبل

b. 780 — d. 855

Founder of the Hanbali school and compiler of the Musnad, famous for his steadfastness during the Mihna.

Ahmad ibn Abi al-Hawari

أحمد بن أبي الحواري

b. 780 — d. 860

A prominent early ascetic and student of Abu Sulayman ad-Darani. Known for his piety, renunciation of worldly life, and devotion to worship and remembrance of Allah.

Al-Khwarizmi

الخوارزمي

b. 780 — d. 850

Persian Muslim mathematician and astronomer whose name gave us the word 'algorithm.' His work al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabalah founded the field of algebra.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal

أحمد بن حنبل

b. 780 — d. 855

Founder of the Hanbali school and compiler of the Musnad. Famous for his steadfastness during the Mihna (inquisition) when he refused to accept that the Quran was created.

Ibn Sad

ابن سعد

b. 784 — d. 845

Author of at-Tabaqat al-Kubra, the first major biographical dictionary of the Prophet companions and successors.

ad-Darimi

الدارمي

b. 797 — d. 869

Compiler of the Musnad ad-Darimi (Sunan ad-Darimi), an important early hadith collection.

Abdullah ad-Darimi

عبد الله بن عبد الرحمن الدارمي

b. 797 — d. 869

Compiler of the Musnad ad-Darimi, teacher of Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, and Abu Dawud.

Imam al-Bukhari

محمد بن إسماعيل البخاري

b. 810 — d. 870

Compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, the most authentic hadith collection, selecting 7,275 hadith from over 600,000.

Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari

محمد بن إسماعيل البخاري

b. 810 — d. 870

Compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, the most authentic collection of hadith. Selected 7,275 hadith from over 600,000 narrations over 16 years of meticulous work.

Abu Dawud as-Sijistani

أبو داود السجستاني

b. 817 — d. 889

Compiler of Sunan Abu Dawud, one of the six canonical hadith collections focused on legal rulings.

Imam Muslim

مسلم بن الحجاج

b. 821 — d. 875

Compiler of Sahih Muslim, the second most authentic hadith collection.

Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj

مسلم بن الحجاج

b. 821 — d. 875

Compiler of Sahih Muslim, the second most authentic collection of hadith after Sahih al-Bukhari. A student of Imam al-Bukhari.

Imam at-Tirmidhi

الترمذي

b. 824 — d. 892

Compiler of Jami at-Tirmidhi, notable for including fiqh discussions and hadith grading with each narration.

Ibn Majah

ابن ماجه

b. 824 — d. 887

Compiler of Sunan Ibn Majah, the sixth of the canonical hadith collections.

Imam Abu Isa at-Tirmidhi

الترمذي

b. 824 — d. 892

Compiler of Jami at-Tirmidhi, notable for including scholarly evaluations and fiqh discussions with each hadith. A student of Imam al-Bukhari.

Al-Mubarrad

المبرد

b. 826 — d. 899

Leading grammarian of the Basra school and author of al-Kamil fil-Lughah wal-Adab, a major work on Arabic language and literature. He was the chief rival of the Kufa school grammarian Tha'lab.

Ibn Qutaybah

ابن قتيبة

b. 828 — d. 889

A polymath and leading authority on Arabic literature, Quranic sciences, and hadith interpretation. His works Adab al-Katib and Ta'wil Mukhtalif al-Hadith remain important references.

Imam an-Nasai

النسائي

b. 829 — d. 915

Compiler of Sunan an-Nasai, known for his strict grading criteria among the six collections.

Imam Ahmad an-Nasai

النسائي

b. 829 — d. 915

Compiler of Sunan an-Nasai, known for his strict grading criteria, making his collection arguably the most rigorous after the two Sahihs.

Junaid al-Baghdadi

الجنيد البغدادي

b. 830 — d. 910

Known as the Sayyid of the Sufis and the master of sober Sufism (as-sahw). His emphasis on grounding spiritual experience in the Shari'ah made him a model for orthodox tasawwuf.

Ibn Hisham

ابن هشام

d. 833

Editor of Ibn Ishaq seerah, producing as-Sirah an-Nabawiyyah, the standard biography of the Prophet.

Ibn Khuzaymah

ابن خزيمة

b. 837 — d. 924

A leading muhaddith and author of Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, called the Imam of Imams.

Imam at-Tabari

الطبري

b. 839 — d. 923

Author of the monumental Tafsir at-Tabari and Tarikh at-Tabari, the most comprehensive classical tafsir.

Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir at-Tabari

الطبري

b. 839 — d. 923

Author of the monumental Tafsir at-Tabari and Tarikh at-Tabari (History of Prophets and Kings). His tafsir is the most comprehensive classical commentary on the Quran.

Imam at-Tahawi

الطحاوي

b. 843 — d. 933

Author of al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah, the most widely accepted summary of Sunni creed, and a major Hanafi jurist.

Abu Mansur al-Maturidi

أبو منصور الماتريدي

b. 853 — d. 944

Founder of the Maturidi school of theology, the second major Sunni creedal school.

Abu al-Qasim at-Tabarani

الطبراني

b. 873 — d. 971

Compiler of three major hadith encyclopedias: al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, and al-Mu'jam as-Saghir. Traveled extensively for decades collecting narrations.

Abul-Hasan al-Ashari

أبو الحسن الأشعري

b. 874 — d. 936

Founder of the Ashari school of theology, one of the major Sunni creedal schools.

Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari

أبو الحسن الأشعري

b. 874 — d. 936

Founder of the Ash'ari school of theology. Originally a Mu'tazili, he returned to Sunni orthodoxy and developed a rational defense of traditional creed that became dominant across the Muslim world.

Ibn Hibban

ابن حبان

b. 884 — d. 965

Author of Sahih Ibn Hibban, a major hadith collection organized by fiqh topics.

ad-Daraqutni

الدارقطني

b. 918 — d. 995

One of the greatest hadith critics, author of Sunan ad-Daraqutni and al-Ilal.

al-Khattabi

الخطابي

b. 931 — d. 998

Author of Maalim as-Sunan, one of the earliest commentaries on Sunan Abu Dawud.

al-Hakim an-Naysaburi

الحاكم النيسابوري

b. 933 — d. 1014

Author of al-Mustadrak, a supplement collecting hadith meeting Bukhari and Muslim criteria.

Abu Bakr ibn Furak

ابن فورك

b. 941 — d. 1015

A leading Ash'ari theologian and Shafi'i jurist who compiled the most comprehensive record of al-Ash'ari's theological positions in Mujarrad Maqalat al-Ash'ari.

Abu Nu'aym al-Isfahani

أبو نعيم الأصفهاني

b. 948 — d. 1038

Author of Hilyat al-Awliya, a monumental biographical encyclopedia of pious Muslims from the Companions to the early Sufis. Also compiled Dala'il an-Nubuwwah on prophetic miracles.

Abu Bakr al-Baqillani

الباقلاني

b. 950 — d. 1013

The foremost systematizer of Ash'ari theology and author of Tamhid al-Awa'il. Served as a diplomat and debater, and his work on the inimitability of the Quran (i'jaz) is foundational.

Abu Ishaq al-Isfarayini

الإسفراييني

b. 950 — d. 1027

A prominent Ash'ari theologian and Shafi'i jurist of Nishapur. A contemporary of al-Baqillani who contributed significantly to the development of Ash'ari kalam.

Ibn Abdul-Barr

ابن عبد البر

b. 978 — d. 1071

A leading Maliki scholar of al-Andalus, author of at-Tamhid and al-Istiab on companion biographies.

al-Bayhaqi

البيهقي

b. 994 — d. 1066

A major Shafii muhaddith, author of as-Sunan al-Kubra, one of the largest hadith compilations.

Ibn Hazm

ابن حزم

b. 994 — d. 1064

Andalusian scholar and founder of the Zahiri school in al-Andalus, author of al-Muhalla.

al-Khatib al-Baghdadi

الخطيب البغدادي

b. 1002 — d. 1071

Author of Tarikh Baghdad and pioneering works on hadith methodology.

as-Sarakhsi

السرخسي

b. 1009 — d. 1090

Author of al-Mabsut, a 30-volume Hanafi fiqh encyclopedia, much of it dictated while imprisoned.

al-Baghawi

البغوي

b. 1044 — d. 1122

Author of Maalim at-Tanzil (tafsir) and Sharh as-Sunnah, called the Reviver of the Sunnah.

Imam al-Ghazali

أبو حامد الغزالي

b. 1058 — d. 1111

Author of Ihya Ulum ad-Din, one of the most influential works on Islamic spirituality and practice.

al-Zamakhshari

الزمخشري

b. 1075 — d. 1144

Author of al-Kashshaf, a tafsir renowned for its unparalleled analysis of Arabic rhetoric and grammar.

Ibn al-Arabi al-Maliki

ابن العربي المالكي

b. 1076 — d. 1148

Maliki judge and scholar of Seville, author of Ahkam al-Quran on legal rulings from the Quran.

Abdul-Qadir al-Jilani

عبد القادر الجيلاني

b. 1078 — d. 1166

Hanbali scholar and preacher of Baghdad whose sermons drew thousands, known for reviving Islamic learning.

as-Samani

السمعاني

b. 1113 — d. 1166

Author of al-Ansab, a biographical dictionary organizing scholars by their nisbah (geographic/tribal attribution).

Ibn al-Jawzi

ابن الجوزي

b. 1116 — d. 1201

A prolific Hanbali scholar and preacher of Baghdad, author of over 700 works.

Ibn Rushd (Averroes)

ابن رشد الحفيد

b. 1126 — d. 1198

Andalusian Maliki jurist and philosopher, author of Bidayat al-Mujtahid on comparative fiqh.

al-Marghinani

المرغيناني

b. 1135 — d. 1197

Author of al-Hidayah, the most studied Hanafi fiqh text in the world.

Ibn Qudamah

ابن قدامة

b. 1147 — d. 1223

Author of al-Mughni, the definitive encyclopedia of Hanbali comparative fiqh.

Fakhr ad-Din ar-Razi

فخر الدين الرازي

b. 1149 — d. 1210

Author of Mafatih al-Ghayb (at-Tafsir al-Kabir), a monumental tafsir rich in theological and philosophical discussion.

Majd ad-Din ibn al-Athir

مجد الدين ابن الأثير

b. 1150 — d. 1210

Author of an-Nihayah fi Gharib al-Hadith, a comprehensive dictionary of rare hadith terms.

Ibn al-Athir

ابن الأثير

b. 1160 — d. 1233

Author of al-Kamil fi at-Tarikh, one of the most important histories of the Islamic world.

al-Izz ibn Abd as-Salam

العز بن عبد السلام

b. 1181 — d. 1262

Called Sultan al-Ulama (Sultan of the Scholars), a fearless Shafii scholar who stood up to rulers.

Ibn as-Salah

ابن الصلاح

b. 1181 — d. 1245

Author of the Muqaddimah on hadith sciences, the foundational manual for hadith terminology.

al-Kasani

الكاساني

d. 1191

Author of Badai as-Sanai, one of the most organized and comprehensive Hanafi fiqh works.

al-Qurtubi

القرطبي

b. 1214 — d. 1273

Author of al-Jami li-Ahkam al-Quran, a major tafsir focused on legal rulings derived from the Quran.

Medieval Era

Ibn Jinni

ابن جني

b. 934 — d. 1002

Arab grammarian and student of Abu Ali al-Farisi. Author of al-Khasa'is, a pioneering work on Arabic morphology and general linguistics that explored the philosophy of language with remarkable sophistication.

Ibn al-Haytham

ابن الهيثم

b. 965 — d. 1040

Arab Muslim physicist and mathematician known as Alhazen in the West. His Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics) revolutionized the understanding of vision and light, and pioneered the modern scientific method.

Al-Biruni

البيروني

b. 973 — d. 1048

Muslim polymath and one of the greatest scholars in Islamic history. Authored over 140 works spanning astronomy, mathematics, geography, pharmacology, and comparative religion, including his landmark study of India (Kitab al-Hind).

Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi

الماوردي

b. 974 — d. 1058

Shafi'i jurist and political theorist who authored al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah, the foundational treatise on Islamic governance, constitutional law, and political theory.

Ibn Sina

ابن سينا

b. 980 — d. 1037

Persian physician and philosopher known in the West as Avicenna. His al-Qanun fi at-Tibb (Canon of Medicine) was the standard medical textbook in Europe and the Muslim world for centuries.

Abu al-Ma'ali al-Juwayni

الجويني

b. 1028 — d. 1085

Known as Imam al-Haramayn for his years teaching in Mecca and Medina. A leading Ash'ari theologian and Shafi'i jurist, and the teacher of Imam al-Ghazali.

Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

الغزالي

b. 1058 — d. 1111

One of the most influential scholars in Islamic history. Known as Hujjat al-Islam (Proof of Islam). Author of Ihya Ulum ad-Din, a comprehensive guide to Islamic spirituality and practice.

Abu al-Qasim az-Zamakhshari

الزمخشري

b. 1075 — d. 1144

Author of al-Kashshaf, a Quran commentary celebrated for its masterful analysis of Arabic rhetoric and grammar. Despite his Mu'tazili theological leanings, his linguistic insights are universally valued.

Al-Qadi al-Fadil

القاضي الفاضل

b. 1135 — d. 1200

Chief judge and secretary of state under Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi. A master of Arabic prose and a brilliant administrator who managed the Ayyubid state while Saladin was on campaign.

Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi

صلاح الدين الأيوبي

b. 1137 — d. 1193

Kurdish Muslim sultan and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty who liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 583 AH (1187 CE). Renowned in both Muslim and European sources for his chivalry, justice, and piety.

Abu al-Baqa al-Ukbari

أبو البقاء العكبري

b. 1143 — d. 1219

Iraqi grammarian and Hanbali jurist. Author of at-Tibyan fi I'rab al-Quran, a detailed grammatical analysis of the Quran, and al-Lubab fi Ilal al-Bina' wal-I'rab on Arabic syntax and morphology.

Abu al-Hasan ash-Shadhili

أبو الحسن الشاذلي

b. 1197 — d. 1258

Moroccan scholar and founder of the Shadhili Sufi order, one of the most widespread Sufi brotherhoods in the Muslim world. Known for emphasizing inward spiritual practice without withdrawing from society.

Ibn Malik

ابن مالك

b. 1204 — d. 1274

Andalusian grammarian and author of al-Alfiyyah (the Thousand-Line Poem), the most famous didactic poem on Arabic grammar. It has been memorized, studied, and commented upon by scholars for over seven centuries.

Jalal ad-Din ar-Rumi

جلال الدين الرومي

b. 1207 — d. 1273

Persian scholar, jurist, and one of the most celebrated poets in history. His Masnavi, a six-volume spiritual poem, is called 'the Quran in the Persian language' by some scholars for its depth of spiritual insight.

Nasir ad-Din al-Baydawi

البيضاوي

b. 1213 — d. 1286

Author of Anwar at-Tanzil wa-Asrar at-Ta'wil, one of the most widely studied tafsirs in Islamic seminaries. A Shafi'i jurist and Ash'ari theologian.

Ibn Daqiq al-Id

ابن دقيق العيد

b. 1228 — d. 1302

Author of Ihkam al-Ahkam, a commentary on Umdat al-Ahkam, combining Shafii and Maliki perspectives.

Abu al-Barakat an-Nasafi

النسفي

b. 1232 — d. 1310

A prominent Hanafi jurist and Maturidi theologian. Author of Kanz ad-Daqa'iq, a concise fiqh manual, and Madarik at-Tanzil, a widely studied tafsir.

Imam an-Nawawi

النووي

b. 1233 — d. 1277

Author of Riyad as-Salihin, the Forty Hadith, and the commentary on Sahih Muslim.

Ibn Jamaah

ابن جماعة

b. 1241 — d. 1333

Chief judge of Egypt and a prominent Shafii scholar.

al-Mizzi

المزي

b. 1256 — d. 1341

Author of Tahdhib al-Kamal, the most comprehensive biographical dictionary of hadith narrators.

Ahmad ibn Ataillah as-Sakandari

أحمد بن عطاء الله السكندري

b. 1260 — d. 1309

Egyptian Maliki scholar and the third master of the Shadhili Sufi order. Author of al-Hikam al-Ata'iyyah, a collection of spiritual aphorisms that became one of the most widely read texts in Islamic spirituality.

Ibn Taymiyyah

ابن تيمية

b. 1263 — d. 1328

One of the most influential scholars in Islamic history, a Hanbali jurist, theologian, and reformer.

adh-Dhahabi

الذهبي

b. 1274 — d. 1348

The foremost historian of Islam and hadith critic, author of Siyar Alam an-Nubala (biographies of notable figures).

Ar-Radiyy al-Astarabadhi

رضي الدين الأسترآباذي

d. 1289

Persian grammarian known for his two masterful commentaries: one on Ibn al-Hajib's al-Kafiyah (syntax) and one on his ash-Shafiyah (morphology). These commentaries are considered among the most precise and analytical works in Arabic grammar.

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

ابن قيم الجوزية

b. 1292 — d. 1350

The foremost student of Ibn Taymiyyah, a prolific author in fiqh, theology, and spiritual purification.

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

ابن القيم

b. 1292 — d. 1350

The most prominent student of Ibn Taymiyyah. A prolific author in fiqh, theology, and spirituality. His works on the heart and soul remain widely read.

Ibn Juzayy

ابن جزي

b. 1294 — d. 1340

Andalusian Maliki jurist and mufassir who authored at-Tashil li Ulum at-Tanzil, a concise and widely read tafsir, and al-Qawanin al-Fiqhiyyah, a comparative fiqh manual. Died as a martyr at the Battle of Tarifa.

Ibn Kathir

ابن كثير

b. 1301 — d. 1373

Author of Tafsir Ibn Kathir and al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, among the most widely used references.

Ibn Battuta

ابن بطوطة

b. 1304 — d. 1369

The greatest traveler of the pre-modern world, covering approximately 120,000 km across the Muslim world and beyond.

Ibn Hisham an-Nahwi

ابن هشام النحوي

b. 1309 — d. 1360

Egyptian grammarian and author of Qatr an-Nada and Mughni al-Labib, two of the most widely studied Arabic grammar texts. Ibn Khaldun considered him the greatest grammarian of Egypt.

Baha' ad-Din an-Naqshbandi

بهاء الدين النقشبندي

b. 1318 — d. 1389

Central Asian scholar and founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, one of the most influential Sufi brotherhoods. Emphasized silent dhikr, strict adherence to the Sunnah, and sobriety in spiritual practice.

Siraj ad-Din al-Bulqini

سراج الدين البلقيني

b. 1324 — d. 1403

A leading Shafi'i jurist of Egypt who served as chief judge and was recognized as one of the foremost mujtahids of his era. Known for his expertise in usul al-fiqh and hadith.

Zayn ad-Din al-Iraqi

العراقي

b. 1325 — d. 1404

A leading hadith scholar who authored al-Mughni an Haml al-Asfar, tracing the hadith sources cited in al-Ghazali's Ihya Ulum ad-Din. His Alfiyyah is a foundational poem on hadith sciences.

Taj ad-Din as-Subki

السبكي

b. 1327 — d. 1370

Shafii scholar and author of Tabaqat ash-Shafiiyyah al-Kubra, the largest biographical dictionary of Shafii scholars.

Ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi

ابن أبي العز

b. 1331 — d. 1390

Author of the most authoritative commentary on al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah. A Hanafi jurist who explained Tahawi's creed through the lens of the Athari methodology.

Ibn Khaldun

ابن خلدون

b. 1332 — d. 1406

Pioneer of historiography and sociology, author of the Muqaddimah on philosophy of history.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

ابن رجب الحنبلي

b. 1335 — d. 1393

A major Hanbali scholar, author of Jami al-Ulum wal-Hikam (commentary on the 40+2 hadith of Nawawi).

al-Ayni

العيني

b. 1361 — d. 1451

Author of Umdat al-Qari, a major Hanafi commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani

ابن حجر العسقلاني

b. 1372 — d. 1449

Author of Fath al-Bari, the most authoritative commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari.

Khalil ibn Ishaq

خليل بن إسحاق الجندي

d. 1374

Egyptian Maliki jurist and author of al-Mukhtasar (Mukhtasar Khalil), the most important and widely studied epitome of Maliki fiqh. It became the standard text for Maliki scholarship in North and West Africa for centuries.

ash-Shatibi

الشاطبي

d. 1388

Maliki scholar who pioneered the study of Maqasid ash-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law) in his work al-Muwafaqat.

Ibn al-Humam

ابن الهمام

b. 1388 — d. 1457

Author of Fath al-Qadir, a major Hanafi commentary combining narration-based and reason-based approaches.

al-Mahalli

المحلي

b. 1389 — d. 1459

Shafii scholar who began Tafsir al-Jalalayn, later completed by his student as-Suyuti.

Shams ad-Din as-Sakhawi

السخاوي

b. 1428 — d. 1497

The foremost student of Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani. Author of ad-Daw al-Lami, a biographical dictionary of 15th-century figures, and Fath al-Mughith on hadith methodology.

Ottoman Era

al-Mardawi

المرداوي

b. 1422 — d. 1480

Author of al-Insaf, the definitive work on disputed positions within the Hanbali school.

Zakariyya al-Ansari

زكريا الأنصاري

b. 1423 — d. 1520

Shaykh al-Islam of Egypt and a leading Shafi'i authority. Authored commentaries on major works of tafsir, hadith, fiqh, and Arabic grammar that became standard seminary texts.

Muhammad al-Fatih

محمد الفاتح

b. 1432 — d. 1481

Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II who conquered Constantinople in 857 AH (1453 CE), fulfilling the prophecy of the Prophet. A patron of Islamic scholarship and architecture who spoke multiple languages and studied under leading scholars.

Imam as-Suyuti

السيوطي

b. 1445 — d. 1505

One of the most prolific authors in Islamic history with over 500 works, co-author of Tafsir al-Jalalayn.

Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Qastalani

القسطلاني

b. 1448 — d. 1517

Author of Irshad as-Sari li-Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, an acclaimed commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari that synthesizes earlier commentaries. Also wrote al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah on the Prophet's biography.

Ibn an-Najjar al-Futuhi

ابن النجار الفتوحي

b. 1466 — d. 1564

A major Hanbali scholar of usul al-fiqh and author of Muntaha al-Iradat.

Ibn Hajar al-Haytami

ابن حجر الهيتمي

b. 1504 — d. 1567

Egyptian Shafi'i jurist and author of Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, one of the two most relied-upon late Shafi'i fiqh references. Also wrote az-Zawajir on major sins and al-Fatawa al-Hadithiyyah.

Shams ad-Din ar-Ramli

شمس الدين الرملي

b. 1513 — d. 1596

Known as the 'Little Shafi'i' (ash-Shafi'i as-Saghir) for his authority in the school. Author of Nihayat al-Muhtaj, one of the two most authoritative late Shafi'i references alongside Ibn Hajar al-Haytami's Tuhfah.

Ibn Nujaym

ابن نجيم

b. 1520 — d. 1563

Egyptian Hanafi jurist, author of al-Bahr ar-Raiq and al-Ashbah wan-Nazair on legal maxims.

Mulla Ali al-Qari

ملا علي القاري

b. 1524 — d. 1606

A prolific Hanafi scholar of Mecca who authored Mirqat al-Mafatih, the most extensive commentary on Mishkat al-Masabih. Also wrote important works on hadith fabrication and Quranic recitation.

al-Hajjawi

الحجاوي

d. 1560

Author of Zad al-Mustaqni, the most studied Hanbali fiqh matn in the Arabian Peninsula.

Al-Khatib ash-Shirbini

الخطيب الشربيني

d. 1570

Egyptian Shafi'i jurist and mufassir. Author of Mughni al-Muhtaj, a major commentary on an-Nawawi's Minhaj at-Talibin, and as-Siraj al-Munir, a tafsir of the Quran. Both are foundational Shafi'i references.

Khayr ad-Din ar-Ramli

خير الدين الرملي

b. 1585 — d. 1671

Palestinian Hanafi jurist and mufti whose fatwa collection al-Fatawa al-Khayriyyah became a standard reference in Ottoman courts. He was the foremost Hanafi authority of Greater Syria in his era.

Mar'i ibn Yusuf

مرعي بن يوسف الكرمي

b. 1600 — d. 1624

Palestinian Hanbali jurist who settled in Cairo. Author of Dalil at-Talib and Ghayat al-Muntaha, key Hanbali fiqh texts that are still relied upon for the mu'tamad (authoritative position) of the school.

al-Buhuti

البهوتي

d. 1641

Author of Kashshaf al-Qina and ar-Rawd al-Murbi, key references in the Hanbali school.

Al-Haskafi

الحصكفي

d. 1677

Ottoman Hanafi jurist and author of ad-Durr al-Mukhtar, a concise yet comprehensive manual of Hanafi fiqh that became one of the most commented-upon texts in the school, most famously by Ibn Abidin in his Hashiyah.

as-Sanani

الصنعاني

b. 1688 — d. 1768

Yemeni scholar and author of Subul as-Salam, a major commentary on hadith of legal rulings.

Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab

محمد بن عبد الوهاب

b. 1703 — d. 1792

Hanbali reformer who called for purifying tawhid, author of Kitab at-Tawhid.

Shah Waliullah Dehlawi

شاه ولي الله الدهلوي

b. 1703 — d. 1762

The most influential scholar of the Indian subcontinent, translator of the Quran into Persian.

Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab

محمد بن عبد الوهاب

b. 1703 — d. 1792

A Hanbali scholar from Najd who led a revival movement emphasizing tawhid (monotheism) and opposing practices he deemed polytheistic. Author of Kitab at-Tawhid.

Ad-Dardir

الدردير

b. 1715 — d. 1786

Egyptian Maliki jurist and author of ash-Sharh al-Kabir, a major commentary on Mukhtasar Khalil. Also authored Aqrab al-Masalik, a concise Maliki fiqh manual widely studied in al-Azhar and North Africa.

Ad-Dusuqi

الدسوقي

b. 1750 — d. 1815

Egyptian Maliki jurist and author of the Hashiyat ad-Dusuqi, a supercommentary on ad-Dardir's Sharh al-Kabir. His work is considered one of the most authoritative late references in the Maliki school.

ash-Shawkani

الشوكاني

b. 1759 — d. 1839

Yemeni scholar and author of Nayl al-Awtar, a comprehensive hadith commentary on legal rulings.

Ibn Abidin

ابن عابدين

b. 1784 — d. 1836

Author of Radd al-Muhtar, the most authoritative late Hanafi reference work.

Shihab ad-Din al-Alusi

الآلوسي

b. 1802 — d. 1854

Author of Ruh al-Ma'ani, one of the most comprehensive and erudite tafsirs ever written. The Mufti of Baghdad who drew from virtually every major tafsir tradition.

Modern Era

Siddiq Hasan Khan

صديق حسن خان

b. 1832 — d. 1890

Indian scholar and ruler (Nawab of Bhopal through marriage). A prolific author of over 200 works in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, and a leading figure in the Ahl al-Hadith movement in the Indian subcontinent.

Jamal ad-Din al-Afghani

جمال الدين الأفغاني

b. 1838 — d. 1897

Pan-Islamic political activist and Islamic modernist who traveled across the Muslim world calling for Muslim unity against European colonialism. Teacher of Muhammad Abduh and a catalyst for Islamic reform movements.

Abdul-Hayy al-Lacknawi

عبد الحي اللكنوي

b. 1848 — d. 1886

Indian Hanafi scholar and hadith expert, author of at-Taliq al-Mumajjad on al-Muwatta.

Abdul-Hayy al-Laknawi

اللكنوي

b. 1848 — d. 1886

Indian Hanafi scholar and muhaddith who authored over 100 works in his short life of 39 years. His critical editions and annotations of classical Hanafi texts and hadith works are widely relied upon by later scholars.

Muhammad Abduh

محمد عبده

b. 1849 — d. 1905

Egyptian Islamic reformer and Grand Mufti of Egypt who advocated for modernizing Islamic education.

Ahmad Rida Khan

أحمد رضا خان

b. 1856 — d. 1921

Indian Hanafi scholar and founder of the Barelvi movement. Author of Fatawa Ridawiyyah (30 volumes) and the Urdu Quran translation Kanz al-Iman. A prolific writer on fiqh, aqeedah, and devotional practice.

Shams al-Haqq al-Azimabadi

شمس الحق العظيم آبادي

b. 1857 — d. 1911

Indian hadith scholar and author of Awn al-Ma'bud, a major commentary on Sunan Abu Dawud that remains one of the most referenced works in hadith explanation.

al-Mubarakfuri

المباركفوري

b. 1860 — d. 1935

Author of Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, a major commentary on Jami at-Tirmidhi.

Ashraf Ali Thanwi

أشرف علي التهانوي

b. 1863 — d. 1943

Indian Hanafi scholar and leading figure of the Deobandi school, known as Hakim al-Ummah (Sage of the Ummah). Author of Bayan al-Quran (tafsir) and Bahishti Zewar, a widely read guide to Islamic practice.

Muhammad Rashid Rida

رشيد رضا

b. 1865 — d. 1935

Syrian-Egyptian scholar and publisher of al-Manar journal, continued the reform movement of Muhammad Abduh.

Abu al-Ala al-Mubarakpuri

المباركفوري

b. 1866 — d. 1935

Author of Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, the most comprehensive and widely used commentary on Jami at-Tirmidhi. An Indian scholar of the Ahl al-Hadith tradition.

Muhammad Anwar Shah al-Kashmiri

محمد أنور شاه الكشميري

b. 1875 — d. 1933

Kashmiri scholar and head teacher of hadith at Darul Uloom Deoband. Known for his extraordinary memory, his commentary Fayd al-Bari on Sahih al-Bukhari, and mastery of both rational and transmitted sciences.

Muhammad Iqbal

محمد إقبال

b. 1877 — d. 1938

Philosopher, poet, and political thinker who inspired the creation of Pakistan.

Muhammad Zahid al-Kawthari

محمد زاهد الكوثري

b. 1879 — d. 1952

Ottoman-era Hanafi scholar who served as deputy to the last Shaykh al-Islam of the Ottoman Empire.

Muhammad Ilyas al-Kandhlawi

محمد إلياس الكاندهلوي

b. 1885 — d. 1944

Indian scholar and founder of the Tablighi Jama'at, one of the largest Islamic grassroots movements in the world. Emphasized door-to-door dawah and self-reformation through traveling in the path of Allah.

Abdurrahman as-Sadi

السعدي

b. 1889 — d. 1956

Author of Taysir al-Karim ar-Rahman, a widely studied tafsir known for its clarity and accessibility.

Abdul-Rahman as-Sa'di

عبد الرحمن بن ناصر السعدي

b. 1889 — d. 1956

Saudi scholar and author of Taysir al-Karim ar-Rahman, a widely read tafsir known for its clarity and accessibility. He was the primary teacher of Ibn al-Uthaymeen.

Ahmad Shakir

أحمد شاكر

b. 1892 — d. 1958

Egyptian hadith scholar who produced critical editions of Musnad Ahmad and Sunan at-Tirmidhi.

Muhammad Hamid al-Fiqqi

محمد حامد الفقي

b. 1892 — d. 1959

Egyptian scholar who founded the Ansar as-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyyah organization in 1926. Dedicated his life to spreading the Athari creed and editing classical Islamic texts.

Muhammad ibn Ibrahim

ابن إبراهيم

b. 1893 — d. 1969

Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and teacher of Ibn Baz.

Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al ash-Sheikh

محمد بن إبراهيم آل الشيخ

b. 1893 — d. 1969

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1953 until his death. A descendant of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and teacher of Ibn Baz. His collected fatwas are a major reference in Hanbali jurisprudence.

Abdurrahman al-Muallimi

المعلمي

b. 1896 — d. 1966

Yemeni hadith scholar and researcher at Umm al-Qura Library, known for his critical hadith verification.

Abul Ala al-Mawdudi

أبو الأعلى المودودي

b. 1903 — d. 1979

Author of Tafhim al-Quran and founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, a major Islamic revivalist thinker.

Mustafa az-Zarqa

مصطفى الزرقا

b. 1904 — d. 1999

Syrian Hanafi jurist and one of the foremost authorities on Islamic law in the modern period. Author of al-Madkhal al-Fiqhi al-Amm and a pioneer in codifying Islamic legal maxims (qawa'id fiqhiyyah).

Hasan al-Banna

حسن البنا

b. 1906 — d. 1949

Egyptian teacher and founder of the Muslim Brotherhood movement.

Sayyid Qutb

سيد قطب

b. 1906 — d. 1966

Egyptian author of Fi Zilal al-Quran, an influential literary and thematic tafsir.

Muhammad al-Amin ash-Shinqiti

محمد الأمين الشنقيطي

b. 1907 — d. 1973

Author of Adwa al-Bayan, a tafsir that explains the Quran by the Quran, a Mauritanian polymath.

Muhammad Amin ash-Shanqiti

محمد الأمين الشنقيطي

b. 1907 — d. 1973

Mauritanian scholar and author of Adwa' al-Bayan, a tafsir that explains the Quran through the Quran itself. A master of multiple Islamic sciences who taught at the Islamic University of Medina.

Ali at-Tantawi

علي الطنطاوي

b. 1909 — d. 1999

Syrian scholar, judge, and prolific writer known for his literary style and pioneering Islamic television programs. His memoirs (Dhikrayat) and accessible books on Islam reached millions of readers across the Arab world.

Abdul-Aziz ibn Baz

ابن باز

b. 1912 — d. 1999

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, a major Hanbali scholar known for his fatwas, teaching, and charitable works.

Muhammad Nasir ad-Din al-Albani

الألباني

b. 1914 — d. 1999

One of the foremost hadith scholars of the modern era, spending decades grading thousands of hadith.

Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghuddah

عبد الفتاح أبو غدة

b. 1917 — d. 1997

Syrian Hanafi hadith scholar who produced critical editions of major hadith works.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi

يوسف القرضاوي

b. 1926 — d. 2022

Egyptian-Qatari scholar and chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars. Author of over 120 books including The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam, and a prominent voice for centrist Islamic jurisprudence.

Ahmad ibn Yahya an-Najmi

أحمد بن يحيى النجمي

b. 1927 — d. 2008

Saudi scholar and former Mufti of the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Known for his teaching, fatwa work, and his commentary on Sunni creed texts.

Shuayb al-Arnaut

شعيب الأرناؤوط

b. 1928 — d. 2016

Albanian-Syrian hadith scholar who produced definitive critical editions of Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Ibn Hibban, and many other works.

Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymeen

ابن عثيمين

b. 1929 — d. 2001

A major Hanbali scholar known for his extensive commentary on jurisprudence and theology.

Muhammad al-Amin al-Herari

محمد الأمين الهرري

b. 1929 — d. 2020

Ethiopian-born Shafi'i scholar who settled in Mecca and became a leading authority in Shafi'i fiqh and Ash'ari theology. Known for his encyclopedic work refuting deviant sects and his circles of learning at the Haram.

Wahba az-Zuhayli

وهبة الزحيلي

b. 1932 — d. 2015

Syrian scholar and author of al-Fiqh al-Islami wa-Adillatuhu, a comprehensive comparative fiqh encyclopedia.

Rabi' al-Madkhali

ربيع بن هادي المدخلي

b. 1932

Saudi scholar and former head of the Sunnah department at the Islamic University of Medina. Known for his works on hadith methodology and his critiques of deviant groups.

Wahbah az-Zuhayli

وهبة الزحيلي

b. 1932 — d. 2015

Syrian scholar and author of al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh, a comprehensive encyclopedia of Islamic jurisprudence comparing all four madhabs. Also authored a major tafsir, at-Tafsir al-Munir.

Salih al-Fawzan

الفوزان

b. 1933

Senior Saudi scholar and member of the Council of Senior Scholars, author of al-Mulakhkhas al-Fiqhi.

Muqbil al-Wadii

مقبل الوادعي

b. 1933 — d. 2001

Yemeni hadith scholar who established Dar al-Hadith in Dammaj, known for strict hadith methodology.

Abdullah ibn Jibrin

ابن جبرين

b. 1933 — d. 2009

Saudi scholar known for his extensive fatwa collection and teaching.

Muqbil ibn Hadi al-Wadi'i

مقبل بن هادي الوادعي

b. 1933 — d. 2001

Yemeni hadith scholar who established Dar al-Hadith in Dammaj, Yemen. Known for his work in hadith authentication and his efforts to spread the Sunnah in Yemen.

Abdul-Muhsin al-Abbad

عبد المحسن بن حمد العباد

b. 1934

Saudi hadith scholar and former vice-chancellor of the Islamic University of Medina. Known for his extensive commentary on Sunan Abu Dawud and other hadith works.

Muhammad Taqi Usmani

محمد تقي عثماني

b. 1943

Pakistani Hanafi scholar, former judge of the Shariah Appellate Bench, and a leading authority on Islamic finance.

Bakr Abu Zayd

بكر أبو زيد

b. 1944 — d. 2008

Saudi scholar and member of the Council of Senior Scholars, author of works on etiquette and fiqh terminology.

Nuh Ha Mim Keller

نوح حاميم كلر

b. 1954

American convert to Islam and Shafi'i scholar based in Amman. Translated the Reliance of the Traveller (Umdat as-Salik), a major Shafi'i fiqh manual, and is a murshid in the Shadhili Sufi order.

Muhammad al-Hasan Walad ad-Dadaw

محمد الحسن الددو

b. 1963

Mauritanian polymath scholar known for his encyclopedic knowledge across all Islamic sciences.

Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari

محمد بن آدم الكوثري

b. 1975

British Hanafi scholar and founder of Darul Iftaa, known for contemporary fiqh rulings.