Introduction * Who were the Four Imams? * Where were they from? * Relationship between the Four Imams * What the Four Imams said about one another Imam Abu Hanifa * Sweet beginnings * Understanding life in Kufa * Early life of young Nu''man * Dignity in independence * A few short words pave the way * When the path to knowledge takes a detour * A student-teacher relationship like no other * The character of Imam Abu Hanifa * Imam Abu Hanifa and the drunk neighbour * The fiqh of Imam Abu Hanifa: A collective effort * Best of the best: The students supporting Imam Abu Hanifa * In chains: the torture and death of Imam Abu Hanifa Lessons we can learn * Consider the sincerity of Thabit * Having money is a responsibility and a privilege * Don''t underestimate the impact of a few words * Don''t ever feel limited by your young age * Do not be afraid to pursue your passion * Learn from the best people available to you * Things will come to you at the right time * The purpose of knowledge is action and growth * Never write people off as a lost cause * The benefits of collaboration Imam Malik * Out playing with birds * Experiencing many different teachers and students * The character of Imam Malik - His caution against seeking fame - His gravity of presence - His unbreakable focus while teaching - His willingness to say "I don''t know" - His preference for simplicity - His indifference to power and privilege * A letter from Abdullah * Hanging up al-Muwatta in the Kaaba * The children of Imam Malik * Being tested by a secret spy * The death of a giant Lessons we can learn * Knowledge without manners is futile * Don''t underestimate the power of memorisation * Consider the chain reactions you could start off * The beauty of keeping your good deeds private * The power of "I don''t know" * Appreciate that everybody has their own path in life * Turning down immense worldly rewards * Knowledge is not an inheritance Imam al-Shafi''i * Difficult beginnings * Decisive decades in the desert * A nudge in a new direction * Approaching the door of Imam Malik * Standing firm against scheming in Yemen * The travels of Imam al-Shafi''i * Honouring different opinions * How Imam al-Shafi''i worshipped * Leaving this world as a throne of gold awaits Lessons we can learn * Greatness can often be traced back to the efforts of mothers * Seek out and be part of the best company * Important things deserve preparation * Facing betrayal can teach you painful, but necessary lessons * Different perspectives can all be equally valid * Treat fame, admiration and public adoration with great caution * Never allow yourself to get too confident about your deeds Imam Ahmad * Starting out life as an orphan * Onto journeys far from home with Yahya * The character of Imam Ahmad - His refusal to accept favours - His interactions with the people - His humility - His dedication to worship - Putting his knowledge into practice - His willingness to say "I don''t know" - Being troubled by fame * The greatest trial in Imam Ahmad''s life - What was the ''trial''? - The Caliph joins the corruption - Turmoil spread like wildfire - Al-Mu''tasim takes over as Caliph - The imprisonment of Imam Ahmad - The debates begin - The torture of Imam Ahmad begins - The rise of a new oppressor: al-Wathiq - The tide turns with al-Mutawakkil * Being taught patience from a thief * Forgiven and forgotten? * The death of Imam Ahmad Lessons we can learn * We prepare for the things we love * Humility will enrich every aspect of your life * It is always safest to tread with caution (wara'') * Gather pearls of wisdom. even from a criminal * It takes bravery to stand alone against an ocean * The truth will make itself known eventually A Final Thought - Looking back and looking forwards.