Ahmad ibn Hanbal

Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780–855 CE) was a prominent Islamic scholar and theologian, renowned for founding the Hanbali school of Sunni jurisprudence. He is best known for his emphasis on strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) and his resistance to relying on personal opinion or rationality in legal matters. His most significant work, the "Musnad," is a large collection of hadith. Ibn Hanbal was a key figure in the early Islamic intellectual landscape and is respected for his piety, integrity, and commitment to Islamic tradition. His legacy continues to influence Islamic thought today.