[He did this] up until the prison became better than many mosques, gatherings of knowledge and schools with regards to being kept busy with knowledge of the religion. To the point that when some of the prisoners were granted their freedom, they chose to stay with him.

When Shaykh al-Islām Aḥmad ibn ʿAbd al-Ḥalīm ibn ʿAbd al-Salām ibn Taymīyyah al-Ḥarrānī (raḥimahullāh) was imprisoned, he found the prisoners busy and distracting themselves (from incarceration) with different types of games like chess, backgammon, and being negligent concerning their prayers.

The Shaykh strongly disapproved of their actions. He instructed them to be mindful and vigilant regarding their prayers and to perform all good deeds solely for the sake of Allāh. Likewise, he ordered them to to glorify Allāh, seek His forgiveness, and supplicate to Him. He also taught them the Sunnah, made them aspire for good deeds, and encouraged them towards it.

[He did this] up until the prison became better than many mosques, gatherings of knowledge and schools with regards to being kept busy with knowledge of the religion. To the point that when some of the prisoners were granted their freedom, they chose to stay with him. Likewise, numerous people returned to the prison until the prison became full of people [seeking to benefit and be in the presence of Ibn Taymiyyah].

Source: al-ʿUqūd al-Dariyyah fī Dhikr Bʿaḍ Manāqib Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymīyyah by Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī al-Maqdasī
Translated by: Munīb al-Ṣumālī