The words of al-Aswad

Umarah narrates about al-Aswad, saying that he was a monk among monks.

It is narrated from al-Sha'bi that he said: He was asked about al-Aswad, and he said: "He fasted much, performed Hajj much and stood in prayer much."

It is narrated from some of the students of Mansur that he said: Al-Aswad (may Allah have mercy on him) would fast even on a day of intense heat, a day on which it was thought that even the sturdy red camel would stagger from the heat.

Ali bin Mudrik (may Allah have mercy on him) reports that Alqamah used to say to al-Aswad: "Why do you torment this body?" Al-Aswad would say: "I only want rest for it."

Hanash bin al-Harith said: I saw al-Aswad bin Yazid, and one of his eyes had been lost because of fasting.

It is narrated from Riyah al-Nakha'i that he said: Al-Aswad used to fast while travelling, until, on a very hot day outside Ramadan, his colour would change from thirst.