1029 – ʿAbd Allah narrated to us; he said, “My father narrated to me; ʿAbd al-Razzāq narrated to us; Maʿmar informed us, from Hishām, from his father, who said:

When ʿUmar—may Allah’s mercy be upon him—arrived in al-Shām, the distinguished leaders of the land and the commanders of the troops came out to receive him. ʿUmar asked, “Where is my brother?” They said, “Who do you mean?” He replied, “Abū ʿUbaydah.” They said, “He will be with you shortly.”

Abū ʿUbaydah then approached, riding a camel bridled with nothing but a rope. ʿUmar greeted him and inquired about his well-being; then he turned to the people and said, “You may leave.” He continued on until he reached Abū ʿUbaydah’s house, where he dismounted. Inside he saw nothing but a sword, a shield, and a spear.

ʿUmar said to him, “Why do you not acquire some household goods or something of the sort?” Abū ʿUbaydah replied, “O Commander of the Believers, ⦗152⦘ this is enough to carry us to the midday resting place.”