Sayyidina Abu Musa Ash’ary (RA) narrated: Abu Talib set forth for Syria and the Prophet ﷺ travelled with him, elders of the Quraysh wene part of the caravan. When they reached the monk, he came down (his hermitage). They unfastened the saddles of their animals and he came to them though before that they used to pass by him, he never came out and never paid attention to them. As they were unpacking their saddles, he mingled amomg them till he came to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ and held his hand, saying, “He is the chief of the universe. He is the Messenger of the Lord of the worlds. Allah has sent him as mercy to the worlds.” The elders among the Quraysh asked him how he could say that and he answered, “While you were coming down the hillock, none of the stones and trees missed prostrating before him, and these two (objects) do not prostrate but to a Prophet. And I recognise him by the seal of prophethood on the upper bone on his shoulder, firm like an apple.’ Then he went away and prepared a meal for them. When he brought it to them, the Prophet ﷺ had taken the camels to graze. He said, “Send for him.” He came while a small cloud cast its shadow over him. When he came to the people, he found that they had preceded him to the shade of the trees. When he sat down, the tree bowed towards him and cast its shade over him. The monk pointed out, “Observe the tree bowing to him.” The narrator reported that while he was standing among them, he entreated them that they should not take him to Rome, “for, when the Romans see him, they will recognise him from the descriptions and will kill him.” Then he turned and suddenly seven Romans came whom he received and asked, “What has brought you here?” They said, “We have come, that this Prophet ﷺ will emerge this month. We have left no road but sent people there. When we received news of him, we were sent on your path, this one.” He asked, “Is there anyone behind you and better than you?” They repeated that they were informed that he was on his path-that one. The monk asked them, ‘Think if God decides to do something, can one of mankind avert it?” They said, “No.” So, he said, “Pledge allegiance to him and support him.” Then he asked (the Quraysh) I adjure you by Allah, who is his guardian? They said, “Abu Talib.” So he did not cease to adjure him till he sent him back and Abu Bakr (RA) sent with him Bilal (RA) and the monk provided him biscuits and olives. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------