Imam Khatib al-Baghdadi narrates from Muhammad Ibn Salimah and Abu Abdullah Saymari narrates from Fadl Ibn Ghanim that when Imam Abu Yusuf fell ill, Imam Abu Hanifah went to visit him a number of times. On one occasion, he found him looking very frail and weak. Imam Abu Hanifah recited ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un and remarked: “I hope you will remain after me for the benefit of the Mu’minin and if they are afflicted with your death, then a great treasure of knowledge will be exterminated with your death.”

According to another report, Imam Abu Hanifah said: “If this young man dies, nobody on the entire face of the earth will be able to fill his place.” More >