Al-Imaam al-Layth bn Sa’d [d.175AH] was one of the foremost scholars of hadeeth and jurisprudence who was a colleague of al-Imaam Maalik and other notable scholars. He was vast in knowledge and generosity that he would spend on students and colleagues alike.
In one of his acts of generosity, al-Imaam Abu Nuaym recorded in his Hilyah al-Auliyaa [7/322] in the narration of Sulayman bn Ahmad that Asad bn Musa said he entered upon al-Imaam al-Layth in Egypt. That day, Asad bn Musa was shabby and was awkward looking because he disguised himself from being identified by a particular assailant. Asad said: ‘When I finished from his sitting, I went out then a servant of al-Imaam al-Layth followed me while I was on the corridor, he said: ‘Wait for me until I return.’ I sat and he later came back to me while I was alone, then he extended a parcel to me, inside it was a hundred Deenar [gold coins]. He said: ‘My master said you should use this to take care of yourself.’ Meanwhile I had with me a one thousand Deenar, I brought it out and said: ‘I am not in need of this money [you brought to me], can you allow me have a word with the Shaykh?’ When I was allowed to meet the Shaykh, I told him of my [rich] lineage and asked him to exempt me from the gift of money.’ Al-Imaam al-Layth said: ‘Let it be a means of strengthening the tie, not a Sadaqah.’ I said: ‘I am afraid I leave here taking this gift with me while I know I don’t need it.’ Al-Imaam Al-Layth said: ‘Go and spend it over some people of hadeeth that you see are entitled.’ The money thus remained with me until I could distribute them over some people.'
