Account of the Ordeal of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal

Author: Hanbal ibn Ishaq ibn Hanbal

Editor: Hassan Abu Al-Khair

The patient and hopeful Imam Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal. The tribulation of the creation of the Quran flared up in his era, and its sparks flew to the jurists and scholars of Islam. Some fled from its fire, some tried to circumvent it, while Imam Ahmad stood firm with patience, steadfastness, strong belief, and faith, like an unshakeable mountain. He repelled and defended, blocked and protected, responded and issued fatwas. From this, Imam Ahmad was the undisputed hero of this battle, the battle of the creation of the Quran. Hence, his name became associated with it, and its tragedy became linked to him, may Allah have mercy on him.
This book magnificently portrays that unique heroism in confronting the armies of falsehood. It depicts tyranny and faith, the prison of the house and the freedom of the soul, the shackles of iron and the liberation of the heart and tongue, the duty of scholars in confronting evil. Thus, this book is a blueprint for upright conduct and what a caller to Islam should be like in terms of steadfastness in belief, strength in faith, and firmness in truth.
A verified edition compared against two manuscript copies.