Imam Muhammad became a point of reference for the public to seek religious opinions in Iraq and the authority of his opinions was unchallenged. One day a gentleman came to seek a ruling from Imam Muhammad. At that time Imam Shafi'i was beside him. After the gentleman put forward his problem he sought an opinion from Imam Muhammad. Having carefully heard the gentleman’s problem, he offered his opinion , fully confident that it was based on the authority of Imam Abu Hanifah.

Imam Shafi’i explained: "After listening to his opinion I was certain that it was not accurately based on the opinions of Imam Abu Hanifah, whose book I had committed to memory. So I sought the kind permission of Imam Muhammad to put forward the opinion of Imam Abu Hanifah, which I had learned.

Imam Muhammad was rather surprised with the explanation I offered, and immediately referred to the book "Al-Ausat" , written by Imam Abu Hanifah. He found precisely that my opinion matched that of Imam Abu Hanifah. Without hesitation Imam Muhammad corrected his previous opinion. He was kindly impressed with my memory."

After having lived and studied under the tutelage of Imam Muhammad for a number of years, Imam Shafi’i wanted to continue further his journey in pursuit of additional knowledge. He informed his Master Imam Muhammad of his intention, and Imam Muhammad was deeply moved.

Then Imam Muhammad said to Shafi’i: "I agree to your intention but on one condition. The condition is not difficult: that is you agree to accept half of my property." Imam Shafi’i never expected such generosity from his Master.

Nonetheless he replied: "My dear Uncle! It is a fact that I came here in pursuit of knowledge, not to accumulate wealth. For that reason, please kindly permit me to return to see my mother and kindly forget about the divide on your property." With all grace and sincere gratitude, Imam Shafi’i refused to accept the kind offer of properties and wealth from his Master.

Somewhat disappointed, Imam Muhammad then said: "Alright my Son! If you refuse half of my properties, I hope you will not refuse to accept a little present from me for your journey." He then asked his assistant to take a few of his money sacks and handed them to Shafi’i while saying: "This is all I can offer you as my gift for your journey."

This time Imam Shafi’i could not refuse without displeasing his Master and he accepted the financial gift for his journey. It was the richest gift he ever received in his life, money worth three thousand dinars.

The time came to greet farewell to Imam Muhammad and to seek his supplication seeking Allah’s blessings for his journey. It was sad to leave his Master, but Imam Shafi’i proceeded on his determined journey in pursuit of knowledge that took him to Iran. He journeyed from one town to another. Every time he met a known scholar, he never missed to seek and learn additional knowledge. He travelled the length and breadth of Iran for several years and then returned to Iraq during the period of the famous Harun Al-Rashid.