A Brief Biography of Imam Malik (رحمه الله)
His Pursuit of Knowledge, Humility in Scholarship, and Lasting Legacy
Lineage and Family Background
Imam Malik (رحمه الله) was of pure Arab lineage, tracing his ancestry back to the tribe of Qaḥṭān, while his mother hailed from the noble Arab tribe of Banū Azd. He was born into a scholarly household. His father, Anas, and his grandfather, Mālik ibn Abī ʿĀmir, were both men of knowledge.
His great-grandfather, Abū ʿĀmir, was a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ and participated in many military campaigns, except for the Battle of Badr, as mentioned by historians.
His grandfather, Mālik ibn Abī ʿĀmir, was a senior tābiʿī (successor of the Companions), having narrated from several noble Companions, including:
ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (رضي الله عنه)
Ṭalḥah ibn ʿUbaydillāh (رضي الله عنه)
ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها), the Mother of the Believers
Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه)
It is also recorded that Mālik ibn Abī ʿĀmir was among the four men who carried the body of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (رضي الله عنه) at night for burial after his martyrdom.
Birth and Early Life
The most widely accepted narration states that Imam Malik was born in the year 93 AH (711 CE) and passed away in 179 AH (795 CE). Upon his passing, he was buried in the sacred city of Madinah.
He was born in a place called Dhū al-Marwah, which was part of the territories surrounding Madinah al-Munawwarah. It is described as an oasis-like area. However, his early childhood and formative years were spent in Madinah, where he would later become one of its greatest scholars.
His Early Education
One of the most remarkable accounts of Imam Malik’s early education is the influence of his mother, ʿĀliyah bint Shurayk (رحمها الله).
It is narrated that when Imam Malik was young, he once asked his mother for permission to study knowledge. She responded with wisdom and foresight, saying:
"Come, I will dress you in the attire of knowledge."
She then clothed him in a short, modest garment, placed a turban on his head, and carefully adjusted it.
She then said to him:
"Go now, my son, and seek knowledge!"
This illustrates not only the spiritual and psychological preparation she instilled in him but also the emphasis on the outward appearance of scholars as a reflection of their noble pursuit.
His Teacher Rabiʿah and the Importance of Character
It is also narrated that as she tied his turban, she instructed him:
"Go to Rabiʿah (one of his teachers) and learn from his manners before learning from his knowledge."
This statement encapsulates a profound principle in Islamic scholarship—adab (manners) precedes ʿilm (knowledge).
Introduction to Imam Malik’s Early Pursuit of Knowledge
Imam Malik (رحمه الله) was deeply devoted to seeking knowledge from a very young age. His mother played a crucial role in guiding him towards scholarship, and she instilled in him a profound sense of respect for his teachers. She would tell him:
“Go to Rabiʿah (Rabiʿah al-Ra’y, one of his teachers) and learn from his manners before learning from his knowledge.”
This statement highlights an essential principle in Islamic scholarship—adab (manners) precedes ʿilm (knowledge).
Imam Malik’s enthusiasm for seeking knowledge was evident from his early years. He began attending study circles while he was still a child. Some narrations mention that his young age was noticeable because he wore an earring, a common practice among young boys at the time.
His devotion to knowledge was such that, during his early years of study, he would follow the shade of trees to focus on his lessons and isolate himself for learning. His sister once remarked to their father:
“My brother does not socialize with people like others do.”
His father responded wisely:
“My son is memorizing the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).”
The Incident That Elevated His Determination
One of the pivotal moments that heightened Imam Malik’s passion for learning occurred when his father once posed a fiqh question to him and his older brother. His brother answered correctly, but Imam Malik made a mistake.
His father rebuked him, saying:
“Have the pigeons distracted you from seeking knowledge?”
This statement deeply affected young Malik, filling him with determination. He resolved to dedicate himself entirely to learning. As a result, he studied with his teacher Ibn Hurmuz for seven continuous years without engaging with anyone else.
His Dedication and Creativity in Learning
Imam Malik was incredibly persistent in seeking knowledge. He devised unique methods to ensure uninterrupted access to his teacher. He would place dates in his hand and offer them to the children of Ibn Hurmuz so that they would tell any visitor:
“The Sheikh is busy.”
This was his way of avoiding unnecessary distractions while studying. His dedication to constant learning was so intense that he would sit outside his teacher’s home for hours, enduring the harsh cold of Madinah's winters by stuffing his clothes with cloth to shield himself from the cold stones.
Imam Malik’s View on Long-Term Learning
He believed in lifelong learning and once said:
“A man should study under a scholar for thirty years.”
His students understood that he was referring to his own commitment to studying under Ibn Hurmuz, yet out of humility, he never explicitly stated that.
Humility in Knowledge: “I Do Not Know”
One of the greatest virtues of Imam Malik was his intellectual humility. It is famously narrated that a man traveled all the way from Iraq or Khurasan to seek his fatwa, presenting forty questions to him.
Imam Malik answered only four and responded to the remaining thirty-six with:
“I do not know.”
The man was astonished and said:
“I traveled all this way just to hear you say ‘I do not know’?”
Imam Malik replied:
“Go back to your people and tell them that Malik says ‘I do not know.’”
This response highlights his fear of speaking without certainty and his awareness of the responsibility of issuing religious verdicts. He did not seek fame by answering questions for the sake of it but rather prioritized accuracy and sincerity.
This principle was widely recognized among scholars, as summarized in the poetic verse:
"All scholars of the four madhhabs say ‘I do not know,’ so follow them."
The Reverence for Imam Malik’s Presence
Imam Malik was known for his immense dignity and awe-inspiring presence. Ibn Mahdi said:
“I have never seen anyone more dignified or more intelligent than Malik, nor anyone more pious.”
His respect for knowledge was so profound that he was known for his composed and deliberate speech. His students would say:
“He never engaged in unnecessary talk, nor did he speak carelessly.”
Even Caliph Harun al-Rashid said:
“I have never seen anyone wiser than Malik.”
The Hadith That Many Scholars Applied to Imam Malik
Many scholars, including Sufyan ibn ʿUyaynah and Sufyan al-Thawri, believed that Imam Malik was the scholar indicated in the famous hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ):
“People will travel far and wide, striking the flanks of camels in search of knowledge, and they will not find anyone more knowledgeable than the scholar of Madinah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2682)
Many interpreted “the scholar of Madinah” as referring to Imam Malik, due to his unparalleled knowledge, wisdom, and deep connection to the traditions of the Prophet (ﷺ).
His Authorization to Issue Fatwas
Imam Malik was officially authorized to issue fatwas at the young age of twenty-one, a remarkable achievement. However, he refused to issue any legal rulings until seventy scholars from Madinah testified to his competence.
His student Imam al-Shafiʿi (رحمه الله) famously said:
“When scholars are mentioned, Malik is the guiding star.”
His Profound Character and Conduct
Among the remarkable qualities of Imam Malik was his refined etiquette and patience. His student Ibn Wahb said:
“We learned more from the character of Malik than from his knowledge.”
Another student, Ziyad ibn Yunus, remarked:
“By Allah, Malik was the most dignified and well-mannered of people.”
Imam Malik was known for his silence and composure. He spoke with measured words and avoided unnecessary disputes. His self-discipline and respect for others set a powerful example for his students.
His Wisdom in Interactions
Imam Malik’s humility extended to the way he spoke with others. It is narrated that whenever someone said to him, “May Allah have mercy on you,” he would respond:
“And may Allah have mercy on you too.”
If someone said “May Allah grant you well-being,” he would reply:
“And may Allah grant you well-being too.”
The Hardships of Seeking Knowledge
Imam Malik endured great hardships in his pursuit of knowledge. His student Ibn Qasim reported that Imam Malik once had to dismantle the roof of his house and sell the wood to continue funding his education. However, years later, Allah blessed him with abundance, and his sacrifices bore fruit.
Conclusion
This brief insight into Imam Malik’s life and character gives us a glimpse into his perseverance, humility, and scholarship.
His journey reminds us of the great dedication required to master knowledge, and his legacy continues to inspire scholars and students today.
May Allah grant us sincerity, wisdom, and knowledge in our journey.
Wa Allāhu Aʿlam.