The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 1 of 4

IMAM ABU AL-FIDA' ISMA'IL IBN KATHiR 227
This account is excellent, fully illuminated by the light of truth, even though
some people cast doubts on some who reported it. But God knows best.
We have previously given the story of Abii Sufym's contact with Umayya h.
Aha al-Salt and it is similar to that given here. It is one of the strangest and best
authenticated of stories, and one that is clear.
Also there will come the story of Abii Sufyzn with Heraclius, the King of
Byzantium, when the former was asked to describe the Messenger of God
(SAAS) and how he then thus gave proof of his truthfulness, prophethood, and
mission. The King replied, "I knew he was coming, but did not realize he was
one of you. If I had known I would survive to his time, I would have striven to
meet him. If I had been with him, I would have washed his feet. And if what you
say is true, he will govern wherever these two feet of mine are placed." So did it
happen, all power and praise be to God.
The h~fi& Abn Nu'aym gave more instances with lengthy and better reports
relating to monks, rabbis, and Arabs; may God have mercy on hi and bless
him.
The Story of 'Amr b. Murra al-Juhani.
Al-Tabarsui stated that 'Ali h. Ibrhim al-Khuza'i al-Ahwzzi related to him,
quoting 'Abd Allah b. Damd b. Dalhath b. Isma'il h. 'Abd Allah b. Sharih b.
Yasir b. Suwayd, the Companion of the Messenger of God (SAAS), quoting his
father, from his father Dalhath, from his father Isma'il, that his father 'Abd
Allah related to him from his father, that his father Yasir b. Suwayd related to
him from 'Amr b. Murra al-Juhani, who said, "I went on a pilgrimage before the
coming of Islam. In my dream, when I was in Mecca, I saw a shining light
emerging from the ka'ba, and going as far as the mountains of Yathrih and the
fertile slopes of Yanbu'. I heard a voice coming from amidst the light saying,
'The shadows are dispersed, the light shines bright, and the Seal of the Prophets
has been sent.'
"Then another light shone, so that I could see to the castles of al-Hira and to
Abyad al-MadZCtn, Chosroe's palace. I heard a voice from that light calling,
'Islam has appeared! The idols are destroyed! And all is made whole!'
"I awoke with a start and called out to my people, 'By God, something is
certainly going to happen in this tribe of Quraysh!' And I told them what I had
seen.
"When we reached home, the news came that a man called Ahmad had
received a mission. So I went to him and told him what I had seen. He then said
to me, '0 'Amr b. Murra, I am the Prophet sent to all mankind; I summon them
to Islam, order them to shed blood and to bring reconciliation, to pray to God