The Flogging of Imam Mālik

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Contents

Politics took precedence over truth Beaten until he was unconscious Life not only spent studying or teaching His ordeal offers lessons that resonate today The power of being tough Scholarship as a guardian of faith Honour of facing difficulty for a cause Action points

Abu Ja’far al-Mansūr became the Khalifah and took bay’ah (a pledge of allegiance) from the people. But due to political grievances and rebellion, the authorities added a condition: if you rebelled or broke your allegiance, your wives would be divorced and your slaves free.

Imam Mālik (raḥimahu Allah) narrated a report he believed to be authentic, a narration said to be passed by a number of companions of the Prophet ﷺ, that is that the forced divorce (al-Talāq al-Mukrah) is not accepted as a divorce.

But as people were being forced to agree with this condition, then such a divorce would not happen according to the understanding of this narration.

People concerned about the consequences of this condition asked Imam Mālik about its ruling and he answered fearlessly — there is no divorce under duress.

Politics took precedence over truth

When Ja’far ibn Sulaymān, the cousin of the Khalifah and Governor of Madina, heard that Imam Mālik stated this condition means nothing, he commanded Imam Mālik not to narrate the narration anymore.

This was due to politics.

He covertly sent a person to the Imam’s class and had him ask the question as a test,

“Does the divorce happen under duress?”

The Imam restated his opinion and narrated the hadīth. In the face of danger he spoke the truth, for which there were consequences.

Beaten until he was unconscious

Due to his persistence in speaking the truth, the ruler of Madina had him flogged and tied upside down to a riding animal.

While in this state, the authorities commanded him to call out to himself.

The Imam called out,

“Whoever knows me knows me; whoever does not, I am Mālik, the son of Anas, and I believe the divorce of the one under duress does not happen.”

When the Governor heard what he was saying in the streets of Madina, he commanded his men to take him down. The great Imam Mālik (raḥimahu Allah) was flogged until he could not pray with his hands in front of him.

The scholar was so dedicated to the truth that he didn’t flinch, even in the face of a flogging! This is Imam Mālik, a mountain in Islamic scholarship.

Life not only spent studying or teaching

Imam Mālik’s life was a testament to the truth and the unshakeable strength that emerges from holding fast to your beliefs.

Let us be clear, his public flogging was not a random act of cruelty.

Imam Mālik, known for his deep knowledge and piety, clashed with the authorities over a sensitive legal issue, they tried to silence him, and today this is the majority opinion among the jurisprudential schools of thought.

His ordeal offers lessons that resonate today

The power of being tough

Imam Mālik faced immense pressure to compromise his beliefs.

His steadfastness in the face of such pressure embodies the Qur’ānic verse,

“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah, that you may be successful.” [2]

His life teaches us that true strength lies in holding onto the truth, no matter how difficult it gets. It shows that, with patience, there is victory for the truth.

Scholarship as a guardian of faith

Imam Mālik’s meticulous approach to hadīth transmission highlights the critical role scholars play in safeguarding Islamic knowledge, be that through protecting, preserving, spreading, or acting upon it.

Today, his work, particularly the Muwatta, continues to be a cornerstone of Islamic law.

Honour of facing difficulty for a cause

The dignity with which Imam Mālik endured his suffering reminds us that the pursuit of truth and justice is a noble cause, even if it comes at a personal cost.

The path of righteousness is almost certainly going to be challenging, but the respect it earns is immeasurable.

Action points

Enhance your faith by regularly studying the Qur'ān and Hadīth. Let the stories of the prophets and scholars inspire you to remain firm.
Recognise and appreciate the role of scholars in our communities. Engage with their work, attend lectures, and support their institutions.
Remember the honour in standing up for what's right, and the reward that awaits those who persevere.