“Ride.”

I answered, “You are weaker than I am; you ride.” He did not argue with me but mounted, and I walked alongside the donkey. Whenever night overtook him he halted, and all he did was bow and prostrate in prayer.

We continued until we reached ‘Usfān, where an elderly man met him, greeted him, and then the two withdrew and began to weep together. When they were about to part my companion said to the shaykh, “Give me some advice.” The shaykh replied, “Certainly: keep God-fearingness fixed in your heart, and keep the remembrance of the Resurrection before your eyes.” My companion said, “Add to that.” He said, “Very well: face the Hereafter with the best of your deeds, meet the passing trials of this world with detachment in your heart, and know that the truly intelligent are those who recognized the defects of this world when they were hidden from its people. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah.” Then they parted.

I said to my companion, “May Allah have mercy on you, who was that shaykh? I have never heard finer words.” He replied, “A servant among the servants of Allah.”

We left ‘Usfān and travelled on until we reached Mecca. When I came to al-Abṭaḥ he dismounted and said, “Stay where you are until I take one look at the House of Allah, then—God willing—I shall return to you.” He set off, and a man came up to me and said, “Will you sell the donkey?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“For how much?”

“For thirty dinars.”

“I will take it,” he said.

I replied, “Good man, by Allah it is not mine. It belongs to a travelling companion who has gone to the mosque and may return at any moment.” While I was still speaking the shaykh appeared. I went up to him and said, “I have sold the donkey for thirty dinars.” He said, “Had you asked for more he would have given you more, Allah willing, but since you have sold it, conclude the sale promptly.” So I took the thirty dinars from the man, handed over the donkey, and brought the coins back.

I asked, “What shall I do with them?” He said, “They are yours—benefit from them.” I said, “I have no need of them.” He said, “Then throw them into the pouch,” so I tossed them into the pouch.

We looked for lodgings at al-Abṭaḥ and settled there. He said, “Fetch me an inkwell and some paper.” I brought them, and he wrote two letters, sealed them, and handed one to me saying, “Take this to ‘Abbād ibn ‘Abbād; he is staying at such-and-such a place. Give it to him and convey my greetings to him and to all the Muslims present.” Then he handed me the other and said, “Keep this with you; when the Day of Sacrifice comes, read it, if Allah wills.”

I took the letter and went to ‘Abbād ibn ‘Abbād, who was seated teaching, surrounded by a large gathering. I greeted him and said, “May Allah have mercy on you; a letter from one of your brothers.” He took it and read:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. After this—O ‘Abbād—I warn you against poverty on the Day when people will be desperate for provisions, for the poverty of the Hereafter cannot be relieved by any wealth, and the calamity of the Hereafter can never be repaired. I am one of your brothers, and I shall die this very hour, Allah willing. Be present to tend to me, lead the funeral prayer over me, and place me in my grave. I entrust you and all Muslims to Allah. Convey my greetings to the Messenger of Allah. And may peace and the mercy of Allah be upon you all.”

When ‘Abbād finished reading he asked, “Where is this man?” I replied, “At al-Abṭaḥ.” He said, “Is he ill?” I said, “I left him just now in sound health.” ‘Abbād rose, and the people rose with him, and they entered upon the man. He was facing the qiblah, lying dead, covered with a cloak.

‘Abbād said to me, “Is this your companion?” I said, “Yes.” He asked, “You left him in good health?” I replied, “I left him…"