The correct answer is Imam Abu Yousuf. Historical accounts recount that the sons of Caliph Haroon-ur-Rashid—who would later become Caliphs themselves—would often quarrel over who would have the honor of placing Imam Abu Yousuf's shoes before him as a mark of profound respect[reference:0][reference:1].
Why Imam Abu Yousuf?
Imam Abu Yousuf (Ya'qub ibn Ibrahim al-Ansari) was one of the most distinguished students of Imam Abu Hanifa and the first scholar to be appointed as the Chief Justice (Qadi al-Qudat) of the Abbasid Caliphate[reference:2][reference:3]. He was held in the highest esteem by Caliph Haroon-ur-Rashid, who not only appointed him to this supreme judicial post but also kept him as a close companion[reference:4].
This incident reflects the immense respect that the Abbasid princes were taught to have for Islamic scholars and the importance of honoring teachers and religious authorities[reference:5]. The sons' eagerness to serve the Imam was seen as a sign of their good upbringing.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
- Imam Abu Hanifa: Imam Abu Hanifa passed away in 767 CE (150 AH), before the reign of Haroon-ur-Rashid (786–809 CE). He never met the Caliph or his sons.
- Allama Ibn e Muwaiyya: This is not the name of a prominent, well-known Islamic scholar from that era, making it an invalid option.
- Imam Shafi: Imam Shafi was a younger contemporary of Haroon-ur-Rashid, but the specific incident of the Caliph's sons quarreling over his shoes is not recorded as it is with Imam Abu Yousuf.
Therefore, the correct answer is Imam Abu Yousuf, as the sons of Haroon-ur-Rashid are historically known to have competed for the honor of serving him by placing his shoes before him.