the Maliki jurist, expert in legal theory, and teacher of Ismaʿil the Judge.

He studied under ʿAbd al-Malik ibn al-Majshun and Muhammad ibn Maslamah.

He was an ocean of jurisprudence, the author of many works, gifted with eloquence and clarity.

He transmitted hadith from Bishr ibn ʿUmar al-Zahrani and others of that rank.

Among those who learned from him were Ismaʿil the Judge, his brother Hammad, and Yaʿqub ibn Shaybah.

Abu Bakr al-Naqqash related: Abu Khalifah said to me, “Ahmad ibn al-Muʿadhdhal is superior to your Ahmad”—meaning Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

Abu Ishaq al-Hadrami said: “Ibn al-Muʿadhdhal reached the pinnacle of jurisprudence, composure, refined manners, and charm.”

His brother ʿAbd al-Samad the poet used to provoke him, and Ahmad would say, “You are like an extra finger: if left alone it spoils the hand, and if cut off it causes pain.”

The people of Basra called Ahmad “the Monk” because of his devotion and piety.

Abu Dawud said: “Out of asceticism he used to discourage me from pursuing hadith.”

The author adds: He held the view that the Quran is created.

Al-Muʿafa al-Jurayri narrated from Yaʿqub ibn Muhammad al-Kureyzi, from ʿAbd al-Jalil ibn al-Hasan, who said:

“Ahmad ibn al-Muʿadhdhal was in the gathering of Abu ʿAsim. Abu ʿAsim made a joke that embarrassed Ahmad, whereupon Ahmad said, ‘Abu ʿAsim, Allah created you serious, so do not be frivolous—for the one who mocks is ignorant. The Exalted said: “They said, ‘Do you take us in mockery?’ He replied, ‘I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.’” (Quran 2:67).’ Abu ʿAsim became ashamed, and thereafter seated Ahmad ibn al-Muʿadhdhal beside him.”

Yamut ibn al-Muzarraʿ related from al-Mubarrad, from Ahmad ibn al-Muʿadhdhal, who said:

“I was with Ibn al-Majshun when one of his companions came in and said, ‘Abu Marwan,…’”