He used to lecture in Kufa and his school of thought was followed till the fifth century. Imaam Shu'ba (A.R) and Imaam Yahya bin Ma'een (A.R) referred to him as "The Leader of the Mu'mineen in Hadith". Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mubaarak, Yahya bin Sa'eed Qattaan and Wakee bin Jarraah (A.R) were amongst his students. He never raised his hands when proceeding for Ruku and when rising from Ruku. With regard to this act, Imaam Tirmidhi (A.R) writes, "Such was the practise of many men of knowledge from amongst the Sahaaba (RA) and the Taabi'een, as well as Sufyaan Thowri (A.R)." [Vol.1 Pg.35]

When such an eminent scholar did not raise his hands, it proves that the Sahaaba (RA) did not generally carry out this practice. He also stated that it is best to recite "Bismillah" silently during salaah. [Tadhkira] He was also of the opinion that the Taraaweeh salaah consists of twenty rakaahs. Imaam Tirmidhi (A.R.) writes, "Most men of knowledge are in agreement with what has been narrated from Hadhrat Ali (RA), Hadhrat Umar (RA) and other companions of Rasulullaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) i.e. that Taraaweeh should be twenty rakaahs. This is also the opinion of Imaam Sufyaan Thowri (A.R). [Vol.1 Pg.79]