Imam Abu Hanifa al-Numan: He is the first of the four imams, the only al-Tabei /offended, among them and has received a number of companions/Sahaba of the Messenger of God. He likely did not meet any of the three imams who followed him. Imam Malik ibin Anas: He was a sheikh/teacher of Imam Shafi'i Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i: He was a disciple of Imam Malik and was a sheikh of Imam Ahmad.