Hazrat ‘Ammaar bin Yaasir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says:

Hazrat Suhaib bin Sinaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and I had come to Daar-e-Arqam at the same time. We met at the door of Daar-e-Arqam, while Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was inside, and asked each other what our intention for coming to see Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was.

I replied, “I intend to go to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to listen to his message.” Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) expressed that he had the same intention. Both of us then entered Daar-e-Arqam where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) presented the teachings of Islam to us and invited us to bring Imaan. Without any delay, we both accepted his invitation to Islam and were blessed with Imaan.

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/168-169)

Hazrat Fudhail bin ‘Iyaadh (rahimahullah) once described Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) in the following words:

Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) was a Faqeeh (person blessed with the true understanding of Deen) and his mastery in the science of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) is well known to all. He was renowned for his piety, and Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with abundant wealth. He was known for his quality of showing kindness to those who sought assistance from him. He was steadfast and committed to imparting the knowledge of deen. He would pass the night in an excellent manner through engaging in the ‘ibaadah of Allah Ta‘ala. He would remain silent and would speak very little. However, when he would be asked a mas’alah regarding halaal and haraam, then he would speak and would guide the person towards the truth in an excellent and gentle manner. He would avoid accepting any wealth or gifts from the ruler. If Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) was asked any mas’alah regarding which there was an authentic Hadith, he would follow the Hadith and practice upon it. In the case where he did not find a Hadith, but was informed regarding the narrations of the Sahaabah and Taabi‘een, then he would follow what he received from the Sahaabah and Taabi‘een. If Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) did not find any Hadith or narration of the Sahaabah and Taabi‘een, he would employ his ijtihaad and thereafter deduce the shar’ee ruling for the mas’alah.

(Tabyeedh-us-Saheefah pg. 123)

Appointment as the Khalifah:

Before passing away, Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) did not appoint any specific person to succeed him as the Khalifah. Instead, when someone suggested to Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that he appoint the next Khalifah, he said, “If I do not appoint a Khalifah, then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not appoint a Khalifah, and if I appoint a Khalifah, then Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had appointed a Khalifah.”

Imaam Ahmed bin Hambal (rahimahullah) was greatly honored and held in high esteem by the people. However, despite the people respecting him, he always thought nothing of himself. Below are two incidents that highlight the humility of Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah):

Muhammed bin Moosa reports that he once saw a person from Khuraasaan come to Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) and say to him, “All praise is due to Allah Ta‘ala who blessed me with the opportunity of seeing you!” Hearing the words of this man and the high position that he afforded him, Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) responded saying, “Wait! Why are you honoring me in this way? Really, I do not feel that I am worthy of this honor.”

On another occasion, a person praised Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) saying, “May Allah Ta‘ala reward you immensely on behalf of Islam for the great service you have done for deen!” Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) was affected by the praise to the point where his facial expression changed. Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) thereafter responded, “No! Rather, I owe everything to Islam for the goodness that I received through Islam. I therefore make du‘aa that Allah Ta‘ala grant me the ability to show true gratitude for the favour of Islam. Who am I? I do not feel myself worthy of any honor.”

(Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa vol. 11 pg. 225)