of the tent. He said, “What is this ewe, Umm Maʿbad?” She replied, “A ewe that has fallen behind the flock.”
He asked, “Does it have any milk?” She said, “She is too exhausted for that.” He said, “Would you allow me to milk her?” She answered, “Yes, by my father and mother! If you find any milk in her, then milk her.”
He had the ewe brought, passed his hand over its udder, pronounced the name of Allah, and prayed that He bless her ewe. The animal spread its legs for him, its milk flowed copiously, and it began to ruminate. He called for a large vessel—enough for a whole group—and milked until it frothed. He then gave her to drink until she was satisfied, then gave his companions to drink until they were satisfied, and he himself drank last. After that he milked a second time, filling the vessel completely, left it with her, bade her farewell, and they continued on their way.
It was not long before her husband, Abū Maʿbad, arrived driving a few emaciated goats that could scarcely walk, their bones almost marrow-less. When Abū Maʿbad saw the milk he was astonished and asked, “Where did this come from, Umm Maʿbad, when the sheep are away and barren and there is no milking animal in the house?” She replied, “No, by Allah, nothing but that a blessed man passed by us whose manner was such and such.” He said, “Describe him to me.”
She said, “A man radiant in appearance, with a luminous face and fine build. His stomach did not protrude, nor was his head disproportionately small. He was handsome and well-proportioned. His eyes were large and intensely dark, his eyelashes long. His voice had a gentle huskiness, his neck a graceful length, and his beard was luxuriant. His eyebrows were arched and close-set. When silent he was enveloped in dignity; when he spoke he rose in eminence and was clothed in splendor. From afar he was the most striking and beautiful of people; up close he was the loveliest and most delightful. His speech was sweet, distinct—neither curt nor verbose. His words flowed like beads smoothly falling in sequence. He was of medium stature, neither so tall as to appear lanky nor so short as to be disregarded—like a branch between two branches, the freshest of the three in appearance and the most esteemed. He had companions surrounding him; if he spoke…"