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Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the humble, ascetic scholar, often spoke to his wife about his teacher, Imam Ash-Shafi’ee.

He described Shafi’ee’s immense piety, unparalleled knowledge, and profound understanding of the Deen.

When Imam Ahmad invited Ash-Shafi’ee to visit their home, his wife was eager to witness this great man’s character firsthand.

The evening began with a meal. Imam Ash-Shafi’ee, known for his rigorous devotion to the Sunnah, ate generously, perhaps more than one might expect from someone so renowned for asceticism.

Following the meal, he went straight to bed.

Imam Ahmad’s wife, quietly observing, noted something unusual—Shafi’ee did not stand for Tahajjud, the night prayer, which she had always associated with great scholars like him.

In the morning, when it was time for Fajr, she noticed something even more curious: Imam Ash-Shafi’ee prayed without renewing his wudhu.

Though she did not wish to speak ill of him, her concern for her husband, who had dedicated himself to following this man’s teachings, compelled her to speak.

After the guest left, she approached her husband with hesitation but sincerity.

“Ahmad,” she said, “is this the same Shafi’ee you’ve praised so much?

I saw three things that puzzled me.

First, he ate a lot.

Then, he didn’t stand for Tahajjud.

And finally, he prayed Fajr without making wudhu!”

Imam Ahmad, ever the seeker of knowledge, deeply trusted his teacher.

He felt comfortable enough to approach Imam Ash-Shafi’ee on complicated matters, confident that his teacher, with his vast insight, would have an explanation.

Imam Ahmad went to his teacher without delay, concerned but eager to understand.

Imam Ash-Shafi’ee, sensing his student’s sincerity, responded in the most gentle and fatherly tone:

“O Ahmad, let me explain. I ate much because I am sure your food is halal, pure, and filled with the barakah of your generosity.

The food of a generous man is a cure, while a stingy man's is a disease. I did not eat to fill my belly but to partake in the healing from your hospitality.

Why did I not stand for Tahajjud?

When I lay down, the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ flooded my mind, and I was inspired.

I reflected on them all night, and I was able to derive and record over 70 beneficial rulings.

My mind was too consumed by this work to stand.

Regarding my wudhu at Fajr, by Allah, I did not sleep even for a moment, so I prayed Fajr with the same wudhu from Isha.

Upon hearing this explanation, Imam Ahmad smiled, his heart filled with admiration and gratitude.

He returned home and shared his teacher's words with his wife, who immediately felt a deep humility and asked for forgiveness.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on this story.

Imam Ahmad’s wife, with the best intentions, had made a judgment based on what she saw.

She didn’t wish to harm anyone’s reputation; she was concerned for her husband, knowing how much he admired Imam Ash-Shafi’ee.

But what was hidden from her was the depth of Ash-Shafi’ee’s piety, his inward devotion that didn’t always manifest in the ways she expected.

How often do we fall into the same trap?

How often do we judge others based on outward appearances, measuring what they are doing in actions but failing to recognize the sincerity and depth of their hearts?

This story reminds us of the importance of Husn al-dhann—having a good opinion of others. For we never know the inner state of a person.

The Prophet ﷺ warned us against spying on or scrutinizing our fellow Muslims, reminding us that it is haram to contemplate their faults.

Instead, let’s turn inward and focus on our own shortcomings, seeking the best in others and leaving judgment to Allah alone.

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