When Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) heard this, he responded to the messenger, “Tell Haaroon that the purse is still sealed and untouched (i.e. I have not touched his money. If he has given me this money so that I accompany him, then he may take the money back).” Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) then explained that he did not wish to leave Madinah Munawwarah by saying, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, ‘and Madinah is better for them, if only they realized.’”

On receiving the response of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah), Haaroon Rasheed accepted his decision and left him in Madinah Munawwarah.

(Al-Jarh-wa-Ta’deel libni-Abi Haatim vol. 1. pg.30)