And I have likewise transmitted, through two separate chains, from al-ʿUtbī (1) a report of similar purport.

Muslim b. Jundub relates—on the authority of Aslam, ʿUmar’s freedman—that Muʿāwiyah once arrived, the most well-built and handsome of men. He set out with ʿUmar for the pilgrimage. ʿUmar would gaze at him in wonder, press a fingertip against his back, then raise it no higher than the breadth of a sandal-strap, saying, “Bravo, bravo! We should indeed be the best of people were the blessings of this world and the next joined together for us.”

Muʿāwiyah replied, “Commander of the Believers, allow me to explain: we live in a land of bath-houses and fertile countryside.”

ʿUmar answered, “Let me explain to you: what ails you is nothing but your pampering yourself with the choicest food and staying abed until the sun beats on your back, while the needy stand waiting outside the door.”

Aslam continues: When we reached Dhū Tuwa, Muʿāwiyah produced a fine robe and put it on; ʿUmar caught its fragrance and said, “One of you sets out for the pilgrimage unkempt (2), yet when he reaches the most sacred town to Allah he takes out two garments as though they had been steeped in perfume (3) and dons them!”

Muʿāwiyah replied, “I have only worn them so I may appear before my kinsfolk in them. By Allah, the criticism of this has reached me both here and in Syria, and Allah knows that I am truly ashamed of it.” He then removed the two garments and put on his iḥrām cloths (4).

Al-Madāʾinī said: “Whenever ʿUmar looked at Muʿāwiyah he would say, ‘This is the Chosroes of the Arabs.’ (5)”

Ibn Abī Dhīb, on the authority of al-Maqburī, narrated that ʿUmar said, “You marvel at the cunning of Heraclius …”