Imam Sulayman ibn Mahran al-Asadi al-A’amash’s (r.a.) Retorts

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Imam Sulayman ibn Mahran al-A’amash (r.a.) was a noted muhaddits who was strict with ahadits, and very particular about who he narrated to, and who he took narrations from.  He was also famous for his quick tongue and sharp wit. 

When one student said to him while on a frivolous visit, “I hope I am not disturbing you, O shaykh,” Imam al-A’amash (r.a.) said, “Let me tell you: you bother me even when you are in your own home.  So how do you think I feel with you right here with me now?” 

Imam al-A’amash (r.a.) was in some neighbourhood one day, and some people came up to him to ask him regarding ahadits.  His companions said to him, “Will you not narrate to these poor souls?” 

Imam al-A’amash (r.a.) replied, “Who would hang pearls on pigs?” 

In another incident, some people visited Imam al-A’amash (r.a.) one day, and he went out of his house to greet them, saying: “Were it not for the fact that there were people in my house that I dislike more than you, I would not have come out to see you.” 

On a certain Abu Dawud al-Hayk, it was asked of him, “Abu Muhammad, what is your opinion on praying behind al-Hayk?” 

Imam al-A’amash (r.a.) replied, “No problem, as long as one does not have wudhu’.” 

He also asked, “What do you say about accepting his testimony?” 

Imam al-A’amash (r.a.) replied, “Only if it is accompanied by testimony from two trustworthy people.”