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)