Hazrat Yahya bin Ma‘een (rahimahullah) was once seated with Imaam Ahmed bin Hambal (rahimahullah) when Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) passed by, riding his mule. On seeing Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah), Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) immediately stood up and went behind him in order to greet him with salaam. Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) thereafter spoke to Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) for some time. After speaking to Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah), Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) returned to Hazrat Yahya bin Ma‘een (rahimahullah) who had remained seated and did not wake up to go and greet Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah).