However, Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) saw the man changing roads and perceived that the he had done so because of him. Hence, since Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) did not wish the man to undergo inconvenience for his sake, he called out to the man, “O so-and-so! Stay on the road that you were on, and do not take another road!”

When the man realized that Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) had caught sight of him, he stopped where he was in embarrassment. Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) then asked him, “Why did you change the road that you were walking on?” The man replied, “I owe you ten thousand dirhams. The time for payment is long overdue and I am unable to repay the debt. Thus, when I saw you, I felt ashamed of you (and thus tried to hide from you).”

Hearing this, Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) exclaimed, “Subhaanallah! This debt has made you reach the point where you even wish to hide from me when you see me? I have waived the entire amount of the debt as a gift to you, and I appoint witnesses to this, so in future, do not hide from me! Furthermore, please forgive me for the pain that entered your heart when you met me.”

After mentioning this incident, Shaqeeq (rahimahullah) remarked, “On witnessing this, I knew that Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) was a true zaahid (person whose heart is not attached to the world).”

(‘Uqood-ul-Jummaan pg. 233-234)