Mausoleum of "Imam ad-Darimi"

The theologian's personality and his contribution to science

Abu Muhammad Abdullah ad-Darimi was born in 797/798 in Samarkand, in the village of Darim (the historical name of the village of Isfandi). After receiving his initial education at home, he undertook long journeys to the key centers of Muslim thought — Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, Mecca, and Medina.

Upon returning to Samarkand, ad-Darimi became a recognized spiritual leader and Sheikh al-Islam of Maverannahr. His authority among scholars was indisputable:

Teacher of the great muhaddiths: Among his students are the greatest experts on hadith — Muhammad al-Bukhari, Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Abu Isa at-Tirmizi, and Abu Dawud. Historical chronicles testify: when in 869 the news of the teacher's death reached Imam al-Bukhari, he recited funeral prayers with tears in his eyes, mourning the irreplaceable loss.

The main work "Sunan ad-Darimi": The collection includes over 3,400 verified hadiths and is among the nine fundamental canonical compilations of Sunni Islam ("Kutub at-tis'a"). Ad-Darimi also compiled one of the earliest tafsirs (interpretations) of the Holy Quran.

Impeccable honesty: Being a man of crystal-clear conscience, ad-Darimi refused worldly goods. When the ruler of Samarkand insisted on his appointment as supreme judge (kazikalon), the imam reviewed exactly one court case and immediately submitted his resignation, preferring the life of a humble mentor.

The history of the shrine in the village of Isfandi

The medieval Samarkand historical treatise "Samaria" confirms that the ashes of the thinker and his brother rest in the ancient village of Isfandi (11 versts from the city). In 2000, the mazar and the historical mosque were initially improved.