Sufyan ibn Waki‘ al-Kufi
Abu Mu‘awiyah
Sufyan ibn Waki‘ al-Kufi was a prominent 8th-century hadith scholar from Kufa, known for his vast knowledge and reliability. He was a key teacher of Ahmad ibn Hanbal and a leading figure among early Sunni traditionists.
Sufyan ibn Waki‘ was born in Kufa or near Nishapur around 745–747 CE (128/129 AH) into the Ubayd ibn Ru'as clan of the Banu Kilab tribe. His father, al-Jarrah ibn Malih, held important administrative positions under the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid. Sufyan became a leading muhaddith, renowned for transmitting numerous hadiths and regarded as one of the best traditionists of his time despite some transmission errors. He refused a judicial appointment to maintain independence from the state, enhancing his reputation for piety and asceticism. He taught many prominent scholars, most notably Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and followed the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam. Sufyan died in 812 CE (197 AH) on his return from pilgrimage at the Fayd oasis. He authored several works, including tafsir and hadith collections, and built a mosque in Kufa.
Significance
Reputation in tradition
- jami al tirmidhi: 0
He is significant as a major transmitter of hadith in the third generation, influencing many later scholars including Ahmad ibn Hanbal.