and did exactly as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had done: he lowered his legs into the well and uncovered his shins, loath to differ from the Prophet in that gathering. In itself, it is not part of the Sunnah for a person to sit on the rim of a well, dangle his legs, and bare his shins; yet when one sits in the company of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, one must not adopt a posture different from his.

Abu Musa—who had left his brother behind performing ablution so that he might catch up—remarked, “If Allah intends good for him, He will bring him here. Should he come and ask permission, he too will receive the glad tidings of Paradise.” Just then the second man requested permission.

Abu Musa went to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and said, “It is Umar.” The Prophet replied, “Grant him leave and give him the good news of Paradise.” Abu Musa opened the door and announced, “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, gives you the glad tidings of Paradise.” Umar entered, found the Prophet and Abu Bakr seated on the rim, and sat to the Prophet’s left. The well was narrow, not very wide, so the three of them shared one side of it.

Then Uthman sought permission. Abu Musa did exactly as before. The Prophet said, “Let him in and give him the glad tidings of Paradise along with a trial that will befall him.” Abu Musa granted permission and conveyed, “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, gives you the glad tidings of Paradise together with a trial that will befall you.” Thus, both a blessing and a test were combined for him, and he entered.