Maimooni (rahimahullah) says that he heard Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) mention, “There are six people for whom I make du‘aa at the time of Sehri. One of them is Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah).” (Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa 10/45)
‘Abdullah (rahimahullah), the son of Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah), narrates the following:
I once asked my father, “What type of person was Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah), for I hear you making abundant du‘aa for him?” Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) replied, “O my son! He was like the sun to the world and like safety for the people. Could there be any replacement or substitute for the sun and safety?” (Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa 10/45)