stories containing illustrative parables. For parables in verse or prose, when true and consistent with reality, belong to the kind of poetry that is wisdom. If they contain striking similes and powerful imagery, they serve to draw people closer or drive them away.

He also said—may Allah sanctify his soul:

Chapter

Concerning the conditions that ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb—may Allah be pleased with him—imposed upon non-Muslims under Muslim protection when he came to Syria. He agreed upon these conditions with them in the presence of the Emigrants and the Helpers—may Allah be pleased with them. The leading scholars of the Muslims follow these conditions in practice, in accordance with the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him:

“Adhere to my sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me. Cling to it and hold fast to it with your molar teeth. Beware of newly introduced matters, for every newly introduced matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.”

And his saying, peace and blessings be upon him:

“Follow the two who come after me: Abū Bakr and ʿUmar.”

For this became a matter of consensus among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, who do not agree upon misguidance, based on what they transmitted and understood from the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

These conditions have been transmitted through various accounts, both abridged and detailed. Among them is the account related by