Shafaʾí, who was born at Askalon, in Palestine, A.D. 772 (A.H. 150).
3. The Málikís prevail in Morocco, Barbary, and other parts of Africa, and were founded by Imám Málik, who was born at Madina, A.D. 716 A.H. 93). He enjoyed the personal acquaintance of Hanífa, and he was considered the most learned man of his time.
4, The Hambalis were founded by Imám Abu ʾAbdulláh Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hambal, who was born at Bagdad, A.D. 786 (A.H. 164). He attended the lectures delivered by Shafaʾí, by whom he was instructed in the traditions. His followers are found in Eastern Arabia, and in some parts of Africa, but it is the least popular of the four schools of interpretation. They have no Muftí at Mecca, whilst the other three sects are represented there. The Wahhábís rose from this sect.
From the disciples of these four great Imáms have proceeded an immense number of commentaries and other works, all differing on a variety of points in their constructions, although coinciding in their general principles.
