The father of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaih) passed away. For three days, he remained at home for those coming to offer condolences. After three days, he came out and reached the town square.
A certain man was jealous of him and was a harsh opponent; the entire area knew of his animosity towards the Imam. When the Imam stepped out, many people were present in the square, and that man also came face-to-face with him.
After saying "Assalamu Alaikum," he spoke, "Abu Hanifah! I heard your father has passed away?"
The Imam replied, "Yes...!"
The man said, "Arrange your mother's marriage (Nikah) with me."
Allah-o-Akbar (God is Greatest)! Such a harsh sentence that it could puncture a person's sleep, making it impossible to rest.
The Imam remained standing. The words were severe, but the matter itself fell within permissible legal limits (Shariah); it wasn't un-Islamic. The disciples and devotees who accompanied the Imam drew their swords from their scabbards.
The Imam said, "Stop! My Allah is with me, I am not orphaned or helpless."
Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alaih) gathered all his courage. He wiped away the tears that glistened in his eyes with his cloak, and summoning his strength, he replied:
"My friend, you have said, 'Let me marry your mother.' Let her waiting period (Iddah) conclude, then I will mention your name and speak to my mother. If she wishes to marry you, I have no objection."
Saying this, he took his companions by their arms and walked to the next square.
Suddenly, that man collapsed heavily onto the ground, and his soul departed from his body (he passed away).
People asked, "Respected master! What happened to him?"
The Imam replied, "He thought I was helpless and had no protector. Nothing else happened to him; the patience (Sabr) of Abu Hanifah took his life."
Many times, people say incredibly harsh things that cause deep pain. Jealousy is a terrible thing; may Allah protect us all from its evil. Ameen.
Reference Book: "Seerat-o-Tareekh Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifah", Page: 125
