you will certainly see a woman in her howdah travelling from al-Ḥīra until she circumambulates the Kaʿba, fearing no one but Allah.’

I said to myself, ‘So where are the marauders of Tayyiʾ who have plunged the land into turmoil?’

He went on, ‘And if you live long enough, the treasures of Kisrā will most surely be opened.’

I asked, ‘Kisrā son of Hurmuz?!’ He replied, ‘Kisrā son of Hurmuz. And if you live long enough, you will see a man take out a handful of gold or silver, searching for someone to accept it from him, yet finding no one willing to take it.

‘Moreover, one of you will surely meet Allah on the Day he meets Him with no interpreter between him and his Lord. Allah will say to him, “Did I not send a messenger to you who conveyed the message?” He will answer, “Indeed.” He will say, “Did I not give you wealth and bestow My favor upon you?” He will answer, “Indeed.” Then he will look to his right and see nothing but Hellfire, and he will look to his left and see nothing but Hellfire.’

ʿAdī said, ‘I heard the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, say:’