Once, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (Rahimahullah) went to the market of Baghdad. He bought a bundle of firewood, placed it on his head, and started walking towards his home. When the people saw this, the market closed down (due to the commotion and rush). The merchants stood in rows, leaving the path clear for him. The traders offered their salutations (Salam) and said, "We will carry it."

The Imam's hands began to tremble, his face turned red, tears started trickling from his eyes, and he said: "We are but poor/helpless servants (miskeen); if God had not veiled our faults, we would be humiliated."