Muhammed bin ‘Abdillah bin ‘Abdil Hakam (rahimahullah) narrates the following:

On one occasion, Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) came to our home. On arriving at our home, he presented his animal to me and said, “Ride this conveyance of mine.” I thus mounted the animal and rode it a little. He then said to me, “Ride it forwards and backwards (to see if you are comfortable riding it).” Accordingly, I rode it forwards and backwards, as he instructed.

Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) then said, “I feel that this animal is suitable for you. Take it, for it is a gift from me to you.”

Muhammed bin ‘Abdillah bin ‘Abdil Hakam (rahimahullah) thereafter remarked, “Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) was among the most generous of people.”

(Manaaqib-ush-Shaafi‘ee lil-Bayhaqi pg. 2/223)