One year, while Imam Sufyaan ath-Thawri (rahimahullah) was performing pilgrimage in the company of Shaiban ar-Ra'i (rahimahullah), a lion appeared before their traveling party on the road they were traveling upon. Sufyaan said to Shaiban,"Look how this lion is blocking the way and terrifying the people."

"Do not fear," Shaiban said. When the lion heard Shaiban's words, it moved its tail, as a dog might do when it is showing how obedient it is to its master. After he approached the lion, Shaiban rubbed its tail gently; it made another meek, subservient gesture with its body and tail, after which it hurried away into the distance, leaving the traveling party alone. 

'What is this showing off, O Shaiban?" Sufyaan asked.

"And was this showing off, O Sufyaan?" Shaiban answered. "Had I wanted to show off and gain fame, I would have placed my provisions on its back for the journey, until we reached Makkah!"