It is related by Hozaimah, the son of Thâber, that Abu A’amer, the monk, had renounced idolatry before the advent of his lordship, had adopted the religion of Ebrâhim, had dressed in sackcloth, and had been roaming about everywhere. He asked Jewish priests and Christian U’lâma about the particulars of the religion of the Friend of the Merciful, until they gave him information concerning the mission of the prophet of latter times and the revival of the religion of Ebrâhim. After hearing this news, Abu A’amer was constantly praising the best and greatest member of the family of A’bd Munâf. One day he happened to be in the company of Sarân Aws and of Khozraj engaged in praising his lordship. Ab-ul-Hâshem, who was also one of the monotheists, said: ‘O A’amer, when thou beholdest this prophet thou wilt become more acquainted with him, and describe him better.’ Abu A’amer replied: ‘I heard him so much spoken of by men and fairies that I fancy I see him now, or that I have seen him before.’ Ab-ul-Hâshem, being astonished hereat, said: ‘Learned men have possibly acquired some knowledge about him from inspired books, but to hear the promised prophet described by fairies is rather strange; you must therefore relate to us what the genii have said.’ Abu A’amer continued: ‘I heard that in Yaman there was a soothsayer without an equal in his profession, and the anxiety to meet him had so engrossed my mind that I started to that country in the holy month of Rajab when the Arabs keep their swords in the scabbards and pluck off the points from their lances. During that journey I travelled in moonlit nights, and was once overpowered by sleep. When I awoke I found myself in a fearful desert; I looked about and beheld several fires in the distance shining like so many stars. Therefore I went towards them, and when I came near I saw around each of them terrible forms entirely different from human beings, so that not only I, but also my camel, were much afraid and knelt down, and we both trembled. I threw myself on the ground, but several of them ran towards me. I pleaded for mercy: some warded off those who had approached me, and four of these strange beings sat down near me. One of them said to me: “Of what nation art thou?” I replied: “Of the tribe of Ghasân.” He continued: “From what subdivision?” I replied: “From that of Qiblah the mother of the [tribes of] Aws and Hazraj.” The questioner continued: “I shall arise and shed thy blood, as thou wilt see.” I expostulated: “Have I not taken refuge with you?” After these words they examined me; I informed them of my circumstances, and said: “Concerning invisible things we trust to soothsayers, who receive information from you; and as I have now got the opportunity, I desire to be informed about events to come without the intervention of mediators.” Hereon three of them pointed to the fourth, who was the wisest, and at my request he spoke as follows: “O Abu A’amer, receive information which is not from a book! I swear by Him who exalts the poor and the needy, and who pours down the drops of rain! Verily the time is approaching when lean camels will arrive and will incite men to war. Verily a man full of knowledge will come down from heaven, who will bridle every wicked person and will silence the base. Indeed, a man will arise who will vanquish Greece and Persia.”’ Abu A’amer said: ‘I asked whether this man would be a king. He replied: “No; he will be a prophet of the Beni Hâshem—noble, powerful, and generous.” I requested a further description, and he continued: “His countenance will be refulgent, his stature middling, his glance will be tranquil, but sometimes unsteady. When provoked he will be patient and slow to revenge himself. His eyes will be of a pleasing blackness; the seal of prophecy will appear between his two shoulders, and he will be illiterate. He will found a good religion, and he will be blessed who follows it. These words were heard from angels, who are recording the deeds of the servants of God.” After this explanation the speaker arose and departed with his three companions. During that night I remained in the place, but in the morning I returned to my country.’
Some chroniclers have narrated the above event in another manner, but the author is of opinion that after it Abu A’amer ought immediately to have hastened to Madinah, where the lord of prophecy was at that time dwelling and proselytising, and to have followed him; but as Abu A’amer was predestined to eternal misery, his envy did not allow him to profess the religion, but impelled him to encourage the unbelievers to wage war, in consequence whereof he was surnamed Abu A’amer, the wicked [fâsaq], as shall be detailed by-and-by, if it pleaseth Allah the Most High!