The Living Memory in Basra

After the Prophet's death, Anas settled in Basra, in Iraq. The city's scholars came to him from far and near to hear what he had seen of the Prophet ﷺ, for he was one of the last who had served him directly.

He taught with great precision, often saying that he was telling what he had seen and heard, and he would show students the Prophet's cup or a small sandal and describe how the Prophet ﷺ prayed. He was also strict about not saying anything in the Prophet's name that he was unsure of.

In his old age he lived under the rule of al-Hajjaj, who is reported to have treated him harshly, and Anas appealed to the caliph. He died in Basra around 93 AH at over ninety years of age, among the last Companions to die there. His students, such as Qatadah and al-Hasan al-Basri, carried his transmissions to later generations.