90 - Ali ibn Isa informed me, saying: I heard Hanbal say regarding the reign of al-Wathiq: The jurists of Baghdad gathered before Abu 'Abd Allah [Ahmad ibn Hanbal]—namely Abu Bakr ibn 'Ubayd, Ibrahim ibn 'Ali al-Matbakhi, and Fadl ibn 'Asim—and they came to Abu 'Abd Allah. I requested permission for them to enter, and they said: "O Abu 'Abd Allah, this matter has become severe and widespread," meaning the public declaration of the createdness of the Qur'an and other such things. Abu 'Abd Allah said to them: "What is it that you desire?" They replied: "We wish to consult you on the fact that we are not pleased with his leadership or his authority." Abu 'Abd Allah debated with them for a while and said to them: "You must reject it in your hearts, but do not withdraw a hand from obedience, do not split the unity (asa) of the Muslims, and do not shed your blood or the blood of the Muslims alongside you. Look to the outcome of your affair, and be patient until the righteous person finds relief or one is relieved from a wicked person." Much was said regarding this which I did not memorize, and they departed. I and my father then entered upon Abu 'Abd Allah after they had left, and my father said to Abu 'Abd Allah: "We ask Allah for safety for us and for the Ummah of Muhammad, and I do not love for anyone to do this." My father said: "O Abu 'Abd Allah, is this correct in your view?" He replied: "No, this is contrary to the traditions (al-athar) in which we have been commanded to have patience." Then Abu 'Abd Allah mentioned and said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "If he strikes you, then be patient; and if... and if... then be patient," for he commanded patience. He said: 'Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud said: And he mentioned words that I did not memorize.