When the news of Ibn al-Mubarak’s death reached him, he was deeply grieved. He sat to receive condolences, and the leading notables came to offer their sympathies.

He followed his grandfather’s footsteps in every respect—save his grandfather’s craving for wealth.

Abu Muʿāwiyah al-Darīr said, “Never did I mention the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in al-Rashīd’s presence without his saying, ‘May Allah bless my master.’

“I once related to him the hadith: ‘I would love to fight in the path of Allah, be killed, then be brought back to life, and then be killed again.’ (1) He wept until he broke into sobs.

“Khurrazādh the devotee narrated that Abu Muʿāwiyah recited to al-Rashīd the hadith, ‘Adam and Moses disputed…’ (2). A certain nobleman asked, ‘Where did he meet him, then?’ Al-Rashīd grew furious and ordered, ‘Bring the execution mat and the sword! This heretic is attacking the hadith.’ Abu Muʿāwiyah kept calming him, saying, ‘It was only a thoughtless outburst, Commander of the Believers,’ until he became tranquil. (3)

“Abu Muʿāwiyah al-Darīr also said, ‘After we had eaten, someone I did not recognize poured water over my hands. Al-Rashīd asked, “Do you know who is pouring for you?” I said, “No.” He replied, “It is I—out of reverence for knowledge.”’ (4)

Al-Aṣmaʿī reported: ‘Al-Rashīd said to me—and he ordered that I be granted five thousand dinars—”