(Continued)

The governor of Madinah Munawwarah said to the slave girl, “Tell him that I have a letter from the governor of Makkah Mukarramah regarding an urgent affair.” The slave girl entered the home, and after some time, returned with a chair which she placed on the ground. We then met Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah), a man who was advanced in age and tall in stature. When Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) exited his home to meet us, he exuded awe and dignity, and was wearing a taylasaan (a shawl worn over the head and shoulders).

The governor of Madinah Munawwarah handed the letter of the governor of Makkah Mukarramah to Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) who commenced reading it. When he reached the part of the letter in which the governor had written, “This (i.e. Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah)) is a man who is noble in his affairs and condition. You should teach him Hadith.” Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) threw the letter down and exclaimed, “Subhaanallah! Has the knowledge of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) become so cheap that it can now be acquired through a mere casual request?”