Imam Abu Hanifa, one of the greatest Sufis, is known as the founder of the Hanifat School of Law. He was so independent that he could afford not to appear at court, despite all the efforts of the Caliph, who was trying with all his might to attract the attention of the brightest sage of the century.
They say that Abu had a neighbor, a shoemaker by profession and a decent drunkard. His wild cries disturbed the sage's thoughts and meditations, but he never complained. And then one night the screams stopped. The surprised imam, coming in the morning to inquire about the health of his neighbor, learned that he had been arrested. He immediately went to the court of Caliph Mansur.
At the sight of the imam, the guards stood guard, the officers and courtiers bowed, and the Emirs rose from their seats. The Caliph himself walked beyond the threshold of the throne room, led Abu to the throne and seated him on the throne.
- May I know the reason for such a great honor shown to me? - asked the Caliph.
- Shoemaker - I came to ask for his release.
“But,” said the Captain of the Guard, “this man is a godless drunkard.”
“This man,” said the imam, “has no friends, this man is my neighbor.”
- Oh, great imam! Your nobility must be appreciated! You ask for the shoemaker, but my generosity will not yield to yours: I am now freeing all the captives in the empire of Islam!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru