Biography Abu Yusuf

abu yusuf lived in kufa , baghdad, in iraq, during 8th century. genealogy has been traced sa d b. habta, youth in medina in time of prophet, , birth date estimated based on date of death around 113/729ce. based on anecdotal stories, abu yusuf raised poor ferocious appetite knowledge. mother disapproved of academic desires, insisting master trade(the art of tailoring, according source) make ends meet. while cannot verified, stories suggest complied mother s wishes, kept academic studies. talent , commitment recognized abu hanifa became mentor abu yusuf star pupil. portrayed incredibly studious individual unceasing in pursuit knowledge , legal understanding. while of known of childhood relies on contradictory anecdotal evidence, has been verified studied religious law , traditions in kufa , medina under number of scholars including abu hanifa, malik b. anas, al-layth b. sa d , others. under guidance of abu hanifa, abu yusuf achieved incredible success , helped develop , spread influence of hanafi school of islamic law.

abu yusuf lived in kufa until appointed qadi in baghdad. unclear whether appointed mahdi, al-hadi, or harun al-rashid. according 1 story, abu yusuf able provide sound advice pertaining religious law government official rewarded him generously , recommended him caliph, harun al-rashid. continued provide satisfactory legal opinions caliph drew him inner circle , appointed him qadi. while version of events probable, not authentic , cannot independently verified. known abu yusuf became close acquaintance of abbasid caliph, harun al-rashid, granted him title of grand qadi, or qadi l-qudat; first time such title had been conferred upon in islamic history. while @ time meant honorific title, caliph consulted abu yusuf on legal matters , financial policy , bestowed upon him ability appoint other qadis in empire. made position of grand qadi analogous modern-day chief justice. abu yusuf held position of grand qadi until death in 182/798ce.