Imam Shafi’i was twenty two years old when he left for Iraq. The journey from Madinah to Kufah in Iraq took him twenty four tiring days. Finally, his entourage arrived at a mosque in Kufah. On arrival Imam Shafi’i joined the prayer congregation at the mosque. It happened that two great scholars he was seeking also prayed at the same mosque.

The opportunity to meet and introduce himself to the two scholars, Abu Yusuf and Muhammad bin Hassan, was seized by Imam Shafi’i. He was asked about Imam Malik in Madinah and whether he had met him? Imam Shafi’i replied that Imam Malik bin Anas was his Master and he used to live with him before coming to Kufah.

"If that is the case, you must have read the Muatta’ written by Imam Malik?" said Imam Muhammad. "It is true!" said Imam Shafi’i. "Alhamdulillah, I have not only read it, but also memorised it," continued Imam Shafi’i.

Imam Muhammad took a piece of paper and then wrote a few questions on it and requested Imam Shafi’i to answer them, to test his knowledge on the Muatta’ written by Imam Malik. After studying all the questions posed to him, Imam Shafi’i was able to answer them with ease, since he had thoroughly memorised the whole book.

After reading all the answers, Imam Muhammad smiled and was very happy with the answers given by Imam Shafi’i. Then he said: " Would you like to be my guest for tonight?" Imam Shafi’i was delighted with the invitation and the special honour to be Imam Muhammad’s guest, which meant he had an opportunity to study under him. In addition Imam Muhammad presented him a beautiful and expensive set of clothing and invited Imam Shafi’i, who had just arrived after a long journey, for a wash. Imam Shafi’i accepted the gift with full gratitude to Allah S.W.T. and gracefully thanked Imam Muhammad for his generosity and hospitality.

After washing himself, he put on the new clothing given by Imam Muhammad, which delighted his host immensely. Imam Muhammad then took a book written by Imam Abu Hanifah entitled "Al-Ausat" and handed it to Imam Shafi’i inviting him to read it that night. Imam Shafi’i was enthralled to receive the Al-Ausat and read it with all his concentration. One of the unique capabilities blessed by Allah S.W.T on Imam Shafi’i, was his power of memory. After carefully reading and absorbing the book, Al-Ausat, written by Imam Abu Hanifah, he was able to memorise the whole book. Imam Shafi’i did not however reveal this to Imam Muhammad.