Imaam ‘Abdur Razzaaq (rahimahullah) once remembered the following incident regarding Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah), and began to tear as he narrated it. He said:

When Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) arrived, I learnt that all his money was depleted. I thus took ten dinars (gold coins) and presented them to him. When I presented the money to Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah), he smiled and said, “O Abu Bakr! If there was any person from whom I would have accepted something as assistance, it would have been you.” Saying this, Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) declined to accept the money from me.

Note: Perhaps Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) declined to accept the financial assistance of Imaam ‘Abdur Razzaaq (rahimahullah) as he felt that he would be able to earn wealth in a halaal manner and remain independent from the creation. The focus of these great servants of Allah Ta‘ala was always towards Allah Ta‘ala, and they never turned their gaze towards the creation, seeking handouts and gifts from them.

(Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa vol. 11 pg. 229)