Abstract:

This article analyzes various claims made by modern-day scholars about the educational connection between Zayd ibn ʿAlī and Abū Ḥanīfa. In light of historical data, these claims are evaluated here on the basis of an account in al-Majmūʿ al-ḥadīthī wa-l-fiqhī, attributed to Zayd. The main findings of the article are as follows: 1. Apart from the account in al-Majmūʿ, there is no narration in early Islamic sources that is concerned with their educa-tional relationship. 2. Abū Ḥanīfa saw Zayd, listened to his speeches, and recognized his superior qualities, but never served him as a disciple. 3. Be-fore meeting in al-Kūfa, they did not recognize or interact with one anoth-er. Before meeting Zayd, Abū Ḥanīfa was a renowned faqīh in al-Kūfa, ap-preciated by friends of Zayd for his scientific authority. There was, howev-er, no period of association between the two. Therefore, the argument that Abū Ḥanīfa served as a disciple of Zayd ibn ʿAlī for two years in al-Ḥijāz or al-Kūfa is rejected.

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