ʿIKRIMAH (عكرمة)
Overview
ʿIkrimah (عكرمة), also known as Abū ʿAbdi ʾllāh ʿIkrimah ibn ʿAbdi ʾllāh, was a significant figure in Islamic tradition. Born a slave belonging to the family of the renowned companion Ibn ʿAbbās, he later gained repute as a distinguished traditionist (muḥaddith) and a scholar (ʿālim) of the Qurʾān and Hadith.
Etymology
The name ʿIkrimah (عكرمة) is of Arabic origin, which can be literally translated to signify a type of date palm or dove.
Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Under the tutelage of his master, Ibn ʿAbbās, who was a cousin and companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), ʿIkrimah received intensive education in the Qurʾān and the Hadith. Ibn ʿAbbās, known for his extensive knowledge and called ḥibr al-ummah (the scholar of the nation), played a crucial role in shaping ʿIkrimah’s intellectual and religious grounding.
His Journey to Liberty
Upon Ibn ʿAbbās’s death, ʿIkrimah remained unfreed. ʿAlī ibn ʿAbbās, the son of his deceased master, sold ʿIkrimah to K͟hālid ibn Yazīd for four thousand dīnārs. However, ʿIkrimah courageously confronted ʿAlī and chided him for commodifying his father’s knowledge. Feeling remorseful, ʿAlī annulled the sale with K͟hālid’s consent and emancipated ʿIkrimah.
Scholarly Contributions
ʿIkrimah dedicated his life to the study and propagation of Islamic sciences. His works, notably in Hadith transmission, have been referred to and respected by many subsequent scholars.
Key Events and Dates
- Death of Ibn ʿAbbās: Resulted in ʿIkrimah’s temporary sale.
- Emancipation: Annulment of the sale and gaining his freedom.
- Death: ʿIkrimah passed away in AH 107 (AD 725) at the age of 84.
Books for Further Study
- “Ibn ʿAbbās: The Master of Tafsir” - Provides insight into the educational environment of ʿIkrimah.
- “Classes of the Companions of the Prophet” by Ibn Saʿd - Details about early Islamic scholars and traditionists.
- “The Muḥaddithīn and Their Contribution to Islamic Knowledge” - Chronicles the contributions of prominent hadith scholars, including ʿIkrimah.
Takeaways and Conclusion
ʿIkrimah exemplifies the educational ethos of early Islamic society, where knowledge and scholarship were highly venerated across social standings. His dedication to learning under his master’s patronage conditioned him to become a prominent hadith scholar. His reclaiming of freedom, not just as a physical, but as an intellectual pursuit, underscores the profound relationship between knowledge and liberty in Islamic tradition.
In conclusion, ʿIkrimah’s life journey from a slave to a respected traditionist accentuates the Islamic principle that knowledge transcends social and economic barriers, granting individuals profound respect and freedom in the community.
By delving into the life and works of figures like ʿIkrimah, modern readers can gain a better understanding of the historical context and value placed on knowledge in Islamic tradition.
