salt in water. If Jesus were to leave him alone, he would dissolve until he perished. But Allah will kill him at Jesus’ hand, and he will show him his blood on his spear.”

It was recorded by Muslim (8/ 175 - 176), whose wording is quoted here. The other chain is also recorded by him (8/ 187 - 188), and the additions are taken from it. Al-Dānī recorded it (113/ 1 - 2 and 121/ 2) through both chains, as did al-Hākim (4/ 482), whose version supplies the alternative wording and the addition. He said:

“Authentic according to Muslim’s criteria, though neither al-Bukhārī nor Muslim recorded it.”

He was therefore mistaken in treating it as an omission from Muslim’s collection.

I say: Part of it is corroborated by a report from ʿAbd Allāh ibn Masʿūd, transmitted by Yusayr ibn Jābir, who said:

A red wind arose in Kufa. A man came, repeating nothing but: “ʿAbd Allāh ibn Masʿūd, the Hour has come!” Ibn Masʿūd sat up—he had been reclining—and said:

“The Hour will not come until inheritances are no longer divided and spoils of war no longer bring joy.” Then he gestured with his hand like this, pointing towards Syria, and said: “An enemy will muster against the Muslims, and the Muslims will muster against them.”

I asked, “Do you mean the Romans?”

He said: “Yes. During that battle there will be a fierce onslaught. The Muslims will select a contingent pledged to fight to the death and not return unless victorious. They will fight until night separates them. Both sides will withdraw, neither victorious, and the contingent will be wiped out. Then the Muslims will select a contingent pledged to fight to the death and not return unless victorious. They will fight until night separates them. Both sides will withdraw, neither victorious, and the contingent will be wiped out. Then