I glanced at the governor of Madinah Munawwarah and saw that he was too overawed by Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) to speak to him. I thus addressed Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) saying, “May Allah Ta‘ala keep you well! I am from the tribe of ‘Abdul Muttalib.” I thereafter informed Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) of my condition and the circumstances that had lead me to him.

After listening to what I said, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) looked at me for some time. Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) had been blessed by Allah Ta‘ala with firaasah (accurate foresight). He asked me, “What is your name?” I replied, “Muhammed.” He said to me, “O Muhammed! Fear Allah and abstain from sins, as you will soon be blessed with greatness and prominence.” I replied, “I will do so, and I am honored to obey you.”

Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) thereafter said to me, “Come to me tomorrow, and bring someone with you who will read the Muwatta for you.” I replied, “I will read the Muwatta from my memory.” The following day, I went to Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) and commenced studying beneath him. Whenever the awe of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) would overcome me, compelling me to cease reciting, then due to the excellent manner in which I recited the Ahaadith, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) would be pleased and would say, “O youngster! Recite more!” As a result, I completed the Muwatta in just a few days. I thereafter remained in Madinah Munawwarah until the demise of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah).

(Aadaab-us-Shaafi‘ee wa Manaaqibuhu pg. 102-103)