Imaam Rabee’ says: I asked Abu Ya’qoob Al-Buwaiti [who was among the most senior students and companions of Imaam Shaafi’]: ‘Imaam Shaafi’ (Rahmatullahi alaih) showed much affection to you, but, I noticed that you were afraid of him. Why were you frightened to ask him questions?’
Imaam Al-Buwaiti responded: ‘You are aware that Imaam Shaafi’ was very soft in nature and humble. But, forget about me, everyone in Misr were awed at him. When I used to speak to him I would start to shake.”
