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Imam Malik ibn Anas and al-Muwatta

Prophet's Mosque, Madinah

Snapshot

  • Full name: Malik ibn Anas
  • Lived: c. 711 to 795 CE (c. 93 to 179 AH)
  • Region: Madinah
  • Fields: hadith and fiqh

Early life and education

Born and raised in Madinah, he studied under many teachers there and taught in the Prophet’s Mosque for decades.

Works and legacy

  • Al-Muwatta, a collection of hadith, sayings of Companions and the practice of the people of Madinah.
  • His approach became the basis of the Maliki school, prominent in West and North Africa, including northern Nigeria.

Lessons

  • Respect for the Prophet’s city and his teachings.
  • Care in saying ‘I do not know’ when unsure.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on Malik ibn Anas
  2. Introductions to editions of al-Muwatta

Dates marked c. vary slightly between sources. May Allah have mercy on him.