or rather among the rulers, on the Day of the Camel and on the Day of Ṣiffīn.

Both Ṣaḥīḥ collections relate—from Khabbāb ibn al-Aratt (may Allah be pleased with him)—that he said:

“We complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while he was reclining on his cloak in the shade of the Kaʿbah, having endured harsh persecution from the idolaters. We said, ‘Will you not supplicate Allah for us? Will you not seek victory for us?’

He then sat upright, his face flushing red, and said: ‘By Allah, those who came before you would be seized: a man would be combed with iron combs between his flesh and sinews, yet that would not turn him away from his religion. Another would have a pit dug for him, a saw placed on the crown of his head, and he would be sawn in two—yet that would not turn him from his religion. Allah will assuredly bring this matter to completion until a rider can travel from Ṣanʿāʾ to Ḥaḍramawt fearing none but Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.’”