its surface a single Jew without embracing Islam.” (1)
This hadith is agreed upon; it comes through the narration of Qurrah.
Al-Bukhari related it from Muslim with the same wording.
42 – Maʿn ibn Zāʾidah, Abū al-Walīd al-Shaybānī *
The Emir of the Arabs, Abū al-Walīd al-Shaybānī, was one of Islam’s great champions and a paragon of generosity.
He served among the commanders under the governor of the two ʿIraq provinces, Yazīd ibn ʿUmar ibn Hubayrah. When the Abbasid family seized power, Maʿn went into hiding for a time while they pursued him relentlessly. On the day the Riwandiyya and the Khurasaniyya rebelled against al-Manṣūr and the fighting grew fierce—al-Manṣūr himself being at a loss—Maʿn suddenly appeared, fought the Riwandiyya, and victory was granted through his hand while he was fully armoured.
Al-Manṣūr asked, “Woe to you, who are you?”
He lifted his visor and said, “I am Maʿn, the one you have been seeking.”
Al-Manṣūr rejoiced, advanced him, honoured him, and then appointed him over Yemen and other regions.
Some narrate that Maʿn once entered upon al-Manṣūr, who said, “Old age has overtaken you, Maʿn!”
He replied, “In your service.”
Al-Manṣūr said, “Yet you still look robust.”
He answered, “Against your enemies.”
Al-Manṣūr concluded, “Indeed, there is still strength left in you.”