Ibn Hubayrah, the governor of Iraq tried to force Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (raḥimahullah) to accept the role of Qāḍī (Judge). When the Imām refused, he was struck with a hundred and ten lashes. He was beaten so severely that his head was swollen and breathing became difficult for him. He remained strong throughout his torture but when he found out that, his mother was grieved by what had happened to him, his eyes overflowed with tears. When he was freed, he said:

'The grief of my mother was more difficult on me than the beating.'

Source: Faḍā'il Abī Ḥanīfah.