Imam Bukhari's Compassion, Generosity, and Integrity
Allah blessed Imam Bukhari with extreme gentleness and compassion in his nature. Once, a business partner (muḍārib) defaulted on 25,000 dirhams of Imam Bukhari’s money. Some of his students, including Muhammad ibn Abi Hatim, informed him that the debtor had arrived in the city of Amul, and now it would be easy to recover the money. Imam Bukhari replied, “I do not wish to cause the debtor distress.” Out of fear, the debtor fled to Khwarazm. People advised the Imam to write a letter to the governor so that the man could be arrested, but he replied, “If I seek a favor from the authorities today, tomorrow they may seek from me something that compromises my religion. I am not ready to bear that burden.” Eventually, Imam Bukhari made a settlement with the debtor, agreeing to receive a fixed monthly payment. However, the debtor never paid a single dirham, and the entire amount was lost—yet Imam Bukhari never let go of patience and forgiveness.
According to Imam Kirmani, Imam Bukhari would often go for days without food or drink, sometimes surviving only on two or three almonds. Despite this, he was immensely generous and a great supporter of the poor and students of knowledge. He would spend the profits from his trade on scholars and students of Hadith. Every month, he distributed 500 dirhams among the poor, needy, and students.
Once, one of his slave girls accidentally knocked over his inkpot while walking near his study space. When he mildly rebuked her, she replied, “What could I do when there was no other way to pass?” Instead of becoming angry, Imam Bukhari extended his hand and said, “Go, I have set you free.” When asked why he freed her even though she had behaved improperly, he replied, “Her words helped me rectify my own soul. In gratitude, I granted her freedom.”
On another occasion, he said to Abu Ma'shar, a blind scholar, “Please forgive me.” Surprised, Abu Ma'shar asked what for. Imam Bukhari explained that once, while Abu Ma'shar was narrating Hadith in a joyful tone with animated hand and head movements, he (Imam Bukhari) had smiled. “I seek your forgiveness for that irreverence,” he said. Abu Ma'shar replied, “O Imam! No accountability is due upon you.”
Once, the governor of Bukhara, Khalid ibn Ahmad al-Dhahli, sent a request to Imam Bukhari asking him to come to the royal court and teach him and his sons Sahih Bukhari and Tarikh. Imam Bukhari replied through the messenger, “I do not wish to join the ranks of court flatterers, nor am I willing to cheapen the value of knowledge.” The governor then suggested that the Imam specify a private time for the princes. Imam Bukhari responded, “There is no distinction between rich and poor in the inheritance of Prophethood. Hence, I must decline this request as well. If the governor is displeased with this answer, he is free to forcibly stop my teaching. I will then seek excuse from Allah Almighty.” The governor was infuriated by these responses and began conspiring to expel Imam Bukhari from Bukhara.
