A Study of the Saying of the Leader of the Hanifis: " Were it not for the two years, al-Numan would have perished."

Abu Hanifah، Numan Ibn Thabit، has been the disciple of some scholars for many years of his life. In this respect it is reported that he has uttered a saying which shows how he was helped in a special way for two years of the years of his learning and also his special praise for one of his grand teachers. He has said، “Were it not for the two years، al-Numan would have perished.” Some of the Imami authors having revealed this saying in one of the writings of the 13th century AH have argued that this saying refers to Imam al-Sadiq and the two years Abu Hanifa was his student. This article by highlighting the excuses Abu Hanifah brings for deserting Imam al-Sadiq، peace be upon him، and turning to Zayd Ibn Ali، shows that this saying refers to Zayd and it is he who is praised in this controversial utterance، for in short Abu Hanifah in the world of learning loves Zayd and is indebted to him and he thinks he is the rival of Imam al-Sadiq and his countryman.