The story I am about to narrate is a historical account of a remarkable encounter between two eminent Islamic scholars, Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, both of whom hold revered positions in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. This narrative sheds light on the profound respect and devotion these scholars had for each other, as well as the spiritual significance of their meeting.
Imam Shafi’i’s Letter:
It is said that Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, once felt a deep desire to meet Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who was renowned for his knowledge and piety. Time had passed without any sign of Imam Ahmad visiting him, so Imam Shafi’i decided to take matters into his own hands. He penned a heartfelt letter to Imam Ahmad, expressing his longing for their meeting.
Imam Ahmad’s Swift Response:
Imam Ahmad, upon receiving the letter, wasted no time in formulating a response. He promptly confirmed his willingness to meet Imam Shafi’i and indicated the exact date and location of their rendezvous. He expressed his eagerness to visit Imam Shafi’i in Egypt on the specified day.
Imam Shafi’i’s Preparations:
Imam Shafi’i, upon receiving Imam Ahmad’s response, began preparing for the momentous occasion. He informed his family, close associates, and fellow scholars about the impending visit. He emphasized that although Imam Ahmad was his student, he was also a great Imam, gifted by Allah with extraordinary knowledge.
The Day of Arrival:
The day arrived when Imam Ahmad was scheduled to arrive in Egypt. Imam Shafi’i, with a group of his students and other scholars, made elaborate arrangements for welcoming their distinguished guest. At that time, Egypt was ruled by a king who also held Imam Ahmad in high regard and decided to accompany him to receive Imam Shafi’i.
Imam Ahmad’s Arrival and Warm Welcome:
Imam Ahmad arrived as scheduled, and Imam Shafi’i greeted him with great warmth and respect. They exchanged heartfelt greetings and proceeded to Imam Shafi’i’s residence. Imam Shafi’i had arranged for a sumptuous meal, as was customary in those days.
Eating Habits of the Scholars:
During that era, it was common for scholars and pious individuals to eat sparingly, focusing on nighttime worship and devotion. As Imam Ahmad sat down to eat, he continued to consume his meal slowly, as if he had not eaten for days. This behavior perplexed those in attendance, as Imam Shafi’i had praised him as a great scholar and a person of high spiritual rank. However, Imam Ahmad’s eating habits appeared quite ordinary.
Observations and Speculations:
People around them were puzzled, but no one dared to voice their concerns. They wondered if Imam Ahmad had undergone a change in his temperament since Imam Shafi’i’s earlier praise. However, no one dared to ask him directly about it.
Imam Ahmad’s Night at Imam Shafi’i’s Home:
After the meal, Imam Ahmad was escorted to the room prepared for his rest during the night. In this room, Imam Shafi’i’s daughters had thoughtfully left a crib for a baby, a miswak (a teeth-cleaning twig), a pitcher of water, and a basin for ablution (wudu), ensuring his comfort for the night.
Imam Ahmad’s Observations:
Upon entering the room, Imam Ahmad noticed the crib, miswak, pitcher, and basin. He realized that Imam Shafi’i’s daughters had prepared these items to facilitate his nighttime worship and ensure his convenience.
The Scholars’ Night of Worship:
During that era, rising for night prayers (Tahajjud) was a common practice among scholars and devout individuals. Unfortunately, in modern times, this practice has waned, with many people even struggling to wake up for Fajr prayer.
Imam Ahmad’s Night of Reflection:
As Imam Ahmad prepared for the night, he was moved by the thoughtful preparations made for him. The sight of the crib, the miswak, the pitcher, and the basin left a deep impression on him. He realized that Imam Shafi’i’s intention was to provide him with the means to worship during the night without any inconvenience.
Imam Ahmad’s Spiritual Experience:
Throughout the night, Imam Ahmad engaged in profound contemplation and prayer. He reflected upon various aspects of Islamic knowledge and jurisprudence. In the silence of the night, he found answers to a hundred questions that had never crossed his mind before. These questions were related to intricate matters of Islamic law and theology.
The Transformation:
By the time dawn approached, Imam Ahmad’s spirit had undergone a profound transformation. He had experienced a night of spiritual awakening and enlightenment, thanks to the conducive environment created by Imam Shafi’i’s thoughtful preparations.
Morning Arrival for Fajr Prayer:
As the time for Fajr prayer neared, Imam Ahmad left his room and joined the congregation for the prayer. Upon his arrival, Imam Shafi’i’s family members and other attendees noticed a radiant glow on his face, a reflection of the spiritual journey he had undertaken throughout the night.
Imam Shafi’i’s Inquiry:
After the Fajr prayer, Imam Shafi’i, curious about Imam Ahmad’s experience, invited him to a private conversation. Imam Shafi’i asked Imam Ahmad about the speculations and concerns that had arisen due to his eating habits and his behavior.
Imam Ahmad’s Explanation:
Imam Ahmad, with humility and gratitude, explained the profound experience he had encountered during the night. He clarified that the food provided by Imam Shafi’i had been so spiritually nourishing that it had sustained his body and soul. He mentioned how he had spent the night in deep reflection and prayer, finding answers to numerous questions that had never occurred to him before.
Imam Shafi’i’s Gratitude:
Upon hearing Imam Ahmad’s explanation, Imam Shafi’i expressed his gratitude to Allah for having the opportunity to serve his guest in such a spiritually significant manner. He also sought forgiveness from those who had misunderstood his intentions.
Conclusion:
The encounter between Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal serves as a profound lesson in the spiritual dimensions of hospitality and generosity. It highlights the importance of creating an environment conducive to worship and reflection, where scholars and seekers of knowledge can deepen their connection with Allah.