From him is also transmitted concerning the verse, “and a mighty kingdom” (Al-Insān 76:20): he said, “It is that the angels must ask permission to enter upon them.”

Al-Firiyābī said, “I heard al-Awzāʿī and Sufyān both say: When Daniel was thrown into the pit among the wild beasts he prayed, ‘My Lord, because of the disgrace and humiliation that have come upon us, You have set over us one who does not know You.’ ”

Al-Khuraybī said, “I once sat with Ibrāhīm ibn Adham (1). He seemed to censure Sufyān for giving up participation in the military expeditions, saying, ‘Here is al-Awzāʿī still going out on campaign, and he is older than Sufyān.’

“I asked Bahīm, ‘What did Sufyān mean by avoiding the campaigns?’ He replied, ‘He used to say, “They neglect the obligatory duties.” ’ ”

Ḥafṣ ibn Ghiyāth said, “We used to console ourselves for the losses of this world by attending Sufyān’s gathering.”

Khalaf ibn Tamīm said, “I heard Sufyān say, ‘I find that my heart is sound between Mecca and Medina, in the company of a few strangers clad in wool and coarse cloaks.’ ”

Wakīʿ relates that Sufyān’s mother once said to him, “Go and seek knowledge; I will support you with my spindle. When you have written down ten hadiths, examine yourself: if you feel an increase (in benefit), pursue the path; otherwise, do not weary yourself.”

Al-Awzāʿī said, “No one remains upon whom the common people unanimously agree in both approval and reliability except for one man in Kūfa—meaning Sufyān.”

Wakīʿ declared, “Sufyān was an ocean.”

Ibn Abī Dhiʾb said, “I have not seen in Iraq anyone who resembles this Thawrī of yours.”

Ibn Idrīs said, “In Kūfa I never saw anyone whose lot I would rather share (2) than Sufyān.”