“…religion is something good; yet your faith and the faith of your forefathers are better than it.” I replied, “No, by Allah, it is indeed better than our religion.” He (1) grew fearful for me, so he fastened a shackle to my leg and kept me locked up in his house.

I then sent word to the Christians: “When a caravan comes to you from Syria, inform me.” Before long some Christian merchants arrived and they notified me. I told them, “When they have finished their business and are about to return to their country, let me know.” He said: when they prepared to leave, they informed me, so I slipped the iron from my leg and set out with them until we reached Syria.

Once there I asked, “Who is the most knowledgeable person in this religion?” They answered, “The bishop in the church.” I went to him and said, “I have come to desire (2) this religion and would like to stay with you—serve you in your church, learn from you, and pray alongside you.” He said, “Enter,” and I stayed with him.

He proved to be a wicked man: he would urge the people to give charity, but whenever they brought him something he hoarded it for himself and gave nothing to the poor, until he had amassed seven (3) large jars filled with gold and silver. I therefore came to loathe him (4) with a deep hatred because of what I saw him doing.

When he died the Christians gathered to bury him. I told them, “This man was evil: he used to command you to give charity and encourage you, yet when you brought it he kept it all for himself and gave the poor nothing.” They asked, “How do you know this?” I said, “I can show you his treasure.” I pointed out the place, and they dug out seven jars brimming with gold and silver. When they saw them they declared, “By Allah, we will never bury him!” So they crucified him and pelted him with stones.