And in the gatherings of Ahmad [ibn Hanbal], there would be about 5,000 or more, with about 500 [of them] writing, while the rest would be learning good manners [from him].
Category: Knowledge
The mere sight of him would evoke others to remember Allaah
And it was said that he was called a monk due to his worship and excellence.
More beautiful in manners and gentleness
I have not seen a man commanding so much respect in his gathering, and nor more beautiful in manners and gentleness than Abu Haneefah.
The peak of humility
From that which ‘Abdullaah ibn Muhayreez would be most keen on hiding of himself, would be the best of what he had [been blessed with].
Fear of fame and popularity
If more than four [students] sat with Abul-’Aaliyah, he would get up and leave.
In pursuit of praise and status
Nothing closes the door to Allaah like the pursuit of praise and status.
The importance of Kitaab at-Tawheed
It is not sufficient to read ‘Kitaab at-Tawheed’ [just] once, rather it is befitting that you always read it; [so] every time you finish it, start [reading] it again, just as I do so myself.
The most linguistically eloquent of the people
If a man was to bequeath a third of his estate to the most [linguistically] eloquent of the people, it would be incumbent [upon him] to give it to Abu Bakr al-Ash’aree.
Who taught you good manners?
[I learnt them] myself. If I see anyone [who is] good, [then] I draw near to him, and if I see anyone [who is] ill-mannered, [then] I keep away from him.
He was capable of dictating it all from memory
‘If the math.hab of ash-Shaafi’ee disappeared, he was capable of dictating it [all] from memory.’