The Beautiful story of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal رحمه الله and the Baker from Tafseer Al-Qurtubi (18/301-302)
During his old age, Imam Ahmad, a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian, was traveling when he stopped by a town. After salah (prayer), he wanted to stay for the night in the mosque. Owing to his humility, he hadn't introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.
Failing to recognize Ahmad bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. A baker, whose shop was nearby, watched this scene and took pity on Imam Ahmed. He invited the Imam to stay with him for the night.
He watched as the baker mixed and kneaded the dough, tended the fire, and pulled hot loaves from the oven, all the while uttering remembrances of Allah and Istighfar
In the morning, the Imam eagerly asked his host about the latter's continual istighfaar. The baker said it had become like second nature, and Imam Ahmad then asked whether the man had experienced any reward from this practice. The baker answered, "By Allah! No dua I made except that it was answered but one." When Ibn Hanbal asked what that unanswered prayer was, the baker responded: "To see the famous Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal."
At this, tears came to Ibn Hanbal's eyes and he told the baker, "I am Ahmed ibn Hanbal!" "By Allah! I was brought to your place so that you can have your dua/wish come true."
The Beautiful story of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal رحمه الله and the Baker from Tafseer Al-Qurtubi (18/301-302)
During his old age, Imam Ahmad, a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian, was traveling when he stopped by a town. After salah (prayer), he wanted to stay for the night in the mosque. Owing to his humility, he hadn't introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.
Failing to recognize Ahmad bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. A baker, whose shop was nearby, watched this scene and took pity on Imam Ahmed. He invited the Imam to stay with him for the night.
He watched as the baker mixed and kneaded the dough, tended the fire, and pulled hot loaves from the oven, all the while uttering remembrances of Allah and Istighfar
In the morning, the Imam eagerly asked his host about the latter's continual istighfaar. The baker said it had become like second nature, and Imam Ahmad then asked whether the man had experienced any reward from this practice. The baker answered, "By Allah! No dua I made except that it was answered but one." When Ibn Hanbal asked what that unanswered prayer was, the baker responded: "To see the famous Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal."
At this, tears came to Ibn Hanbal's eyes and he told the baker, "I am Ahmed ibn Hanbal!" "By Allah! I was brought to your place so that you can have your dua/wish come true."
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