2319 – ʿAbd Allah narrated to us, saying, “I found in my father’s book, written in his own hand: I was informed by Muhammad ibn Shuʿayb and Saʿid ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAziz, who said:

‘In the days of Muʿawiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) the people were stricken by drought, so he went out with them to perform the rain-seeking prayer. When they reached the prayer ground, Muʿawiyah said to Abu Muslim, “You see the distress that has overtaken the people; supplicate to Allah.” Abu Muslim replied, “I will do so, though I fall short.”

He stood up wearing a burnus, removed it from his head, raised his hands, and said, “O Allah, by You alone do we seek rain, and I have come to You laden with my sins, so do not let me return disappointed.”

They had not yet dispersed before rain was sent down.

Abu Muslim then said, “O Allah, Muʿawiyah has placed me in a position that may lead to ostentation; so if You know that there is good for me with You, then take me to Yourself.” That was on a Thursday, and Abu Muslim (may Allah have mercy on him) died the following Thursday.’