and, in earlier times, the Arabs would identify themselves solely by their tribes; but when Islam arrived and life in settled towns became predominant, they began to ascribe themselves to villages, just as the non-Arabs did.
If a person moved from one land to another and wished to claim affiliation with both, he should begin with the first. Thus, someone who left Egypt for Damascus would say: al-Miṣrī al-Dimashqī, or better yet: “then al-Dimashqī.”
One who comes from a village that belongs to a larger town may legitimately be linked to the village, the town, the district, or even the province.
ʿAbd Allah ibn al-Mubārak and others said: “Whoever resides in a town for four years may be ascribed to it.” Allah knows best.
In my book al-Irshād I have recorded here three hadiths whose entire chains—from me up to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him—are Damascene narrators; I myself am a Damascene. May Allah protect Damascus and preserve it, together with all the lands of Islam and their people.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, as He truly deserves—praise that meets His blessings and equals His further bounty. May His prayers and peace be upon our master Muhammad, upon his family, and upon all the other prophets and the righteous, whenever the mindful mention him and whenever the heedless neglect to do so. Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.