Hazrat ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says:

From the very beginning, I disassociated myself from idol worship and I was completely averse to it. I understood and knew that idols could neither benefit nor harm and were mere pieces of stone.

On one occasion, I met a scholar from the Ahl-e-Kitaab (people of the scriptures i.e. Jews or Christians) and asked him which religion was the best and most virtuous. The scholar replied, “A man will soon appear in Makkah. His religion will be the best religion. He will invite people away from idolatry towards the oneness of Allah. If you happen to find him, ensure that you follow him.”

From that moment, the city of Makkah was constantly in my thoughts. I would enquire regarding the news of Makkah from every person going to Makkah or returning from it until I finally heard of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appearance.

(To be continued insha Allah)

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/169)