Our Salaf: Imaam Ahmad–an example of humility
Imaam Dhahabi (rahimahullaah) reported: Muhammad Ibn Al-Hasan Bin Haaroon (rahimahullaah): ”I saw Abu Abdillaah-Ahmad Bin Hanbal–that when he walked on the road, he hated that anyone should follow him.” I (i.e. Adh-Dhahabi) say: Preferring to be unknown; being humble and filled with fear (of Allaah) are from the signs of Taqwah and success.
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[Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 11/226]