Introduction

• Who were the Four Imams?

• Where were they from?

• Relationship between the Four Imams

• What the Four Imams said about one another

Imam Abu Hanifa

• Sweet beginnings

• Understanding life in Kufa

• Early life of young Nu’man

• Dignity in independence

• A few short words pave the way

• When the path to knowledge takes a detour

• A student-teacher relationship like no other

• The character of Imam Abu Hanifa

• Imam Abu Hanifa and the drunk neighbour

• The fiqh of Imam Abu Hanifa: A collective effort

• Best of the best: The students supporting Imam Abu Hanifa

• In chains: the torture and death of Imam Abu Hanifa

Lessons we can learn

• Consider the sincerity of Thabit

• Having money is a responsibility and a privilege

• Don't underestimate the impact of a few words

• Don't ever feel limited by your young age

• Do not be afraid to pursue your passion

• Learn from the best people available to you

• Things will come to you at the right time

• The purpose of knowledge is action and growth

• Never write people off as a lost cause

• The benefits of collaboration

Imam Malik

• Out playing with birds

• Experiencing many different teachers and students

• The character of Imam Malik

- His caution against seeking fame

- His gravity of presence

- His unbreakable focus while teaching

- His willingness to say "I don't know"

- His preference for simplicity

- His indifference to power and privilege

• A letter from Abdullah

• Hanging up al-Muwatta in the Kaaba

• The children of Imam Malik

• Being tested by a secret spy

• The death of a giant

Lessons we can learn

• Knowledge without manners is futile

• Don't underestimate the power of memorisation

• Consider the chain reactions you could start off

• The beauty of keeping your good deeds private

• The power of "I don't know"

• Appreciate that everybody has their own path in life

• Turning down immense worldly rewards

• Knowledge is not an inheritance

Imam al-Shafi'i

• Difficult beginnings

• Decisive decades in the desert

• A nudge in a new direction

• Approaching the door of Imam Malik

• Standing firm against scheming in Yemen

• The travels of Imam al-Shafi'i

• Honouring different opinions

• How Imam al-Shafi'i worshipped

• Leaving this world as a throne of gold awaits

Lessons we can learn

• Greatness can often be traced back to the efforts of mothers

• Seek out and be part of the best company

• Important things deserve preparation

• Facing betrayal can teach you painful, but necessary lessons

• Different perspectives can all be equally valid

• Treat fame, admiration and public adoration with great caution

• Never allow yourself to get too confident about your deeds

Imam Ahmad

• Starting out life as an orphan

• Onto journeys far from home with Yahya

• The character of Imam Ahmad

- His refusal to accept favours

- His interactions with the people

- His humility

- His dedication to worship

- Putting his knowledge into practice

- His willingness to say "I don't know"

- Being troubled by fame

• The greatest trial in Imam Ahmad's life

- What was the ‘trial’?

- The Caliph joins the corruption

- Turmoil spread like wildfire

- Al-Mu'tasim takes over as Caliph

- The imprisonment of Imam Ahmad

- The debates begin

- The torture of Imam Ahmad begins

- The rise of a new oppressor: al-Wathiq

- The tide turns with al-Mutawakkil

• Being taught patience from a thief

• Forgiven and forgotten?

• The death of Imam Ahmad

Lessons we can learn

• We prepare for the things we love

• Humility will enrich every aspect of your life

• It is always safest to tread with caution (wara')

• Gather pearls of wisdom... even from a criminal

• It takes bravery to stand alone against an ocean

• The truth will make itself known eventually

A Final Thought – Looking back and looking forwards