It is related in the A’râis that a man from the country of A’sqallân said: ‘I was once travelling at mid-day in the plain of Ardan when I suddenly met a person whom I saluted and asked: “Who art thou, and what art thou doing in this desert?” He replied: “I am the prophet Eliâs.” I began to tremble when I heard these words, and said: “O prophet of Allah! pray that this state may leave me, for I have several questions [to ask thee].” His lordship then prayed and placed his hands upon my back, so that I felt their cold and freshness on my breast. I asked: “O prophet of Allah! do any revelations now descend to thee?” Eliâs replied: “Since the mission of the Lord Muhammad the gates of [Divine] inspiration and revelation have been closed, nor will any person after him obtain a revelation.” I continued: “How many prophets are still alive at present?” He replied: “Four, namely, I’sa [Jesus] and Edris [Enoch] in heaven, but myself and Khizer on earth.” I asked: “How many su??cedaneous religious men are in existence among the people of Muhammad, and where do they dwell?” He said: “They are sixty in number, fifty of whom are settled from the heights of Egypt down to the river Euphrates; two dwell at Massissa, one at A’sqallân, and seven in all the remaining countries [of the world]. When one of them dies, the Most High substitutes that very moment another in his place.”* He continued: “Merwân was a rebellious man and resisted God; and those who fought on his side are obnoxious, and will be punished by hell-fire.” I said: “O prophet of Allah! I happened to be present in some of his battles, but I neither pierced, nor struck, nor did anything of the kind. Tell me what will be my fate?” He replied: “Thou hast done well by abstaining from similar acts. Be no longer present on such occasions.” Then he produced two loaves whiter than snow, which we consumed together. On that occasion he looked around in the desert, when a she-camel suddenly made her appearance and halted in front of him. When he was about to mount, I said: “O prophet of Allah! I should like to accompany thee.” He rejoined: “That is not possible.” I continued: “I have no bag or baggage.” He continued: “Thy wish cannot be fulfilled.” He added: “My intention is to remain in constant prayer at the Holy House [in Jerusalem] during the [Lent] month Ramazân.” He then mounted the camel, and disappeared from my sight.’