Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

Ibn Shumāsah al-Mahri reported: We went to ‘Amr ibn al-Āas (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was on his death bed. He wept for long and turned his face to the wall. His son kept saying: "O Father, didn't the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) give you the glad tidings of such-and-such?

Didn't the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) give you the glad tidings of such-and-such?" He turned his face and said: "The best thing that we can prepare is the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Verily, I have passed through three stages. I remember myself when I hated the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) more than anyone else and I wished for nothing more than killing him.

Had I died in that state, I would have surely been from the dwellers of the Fire. When Allah instilled the love for Islam in my heart, I went to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and said: 'Stretch out your right hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.' He stretched out his right hand, but I withdrew my hand.

He said: 'What is the matter, ‘Amr ?' I replied: 'I wish to stipulate a condition.' He asked: 'What is your condition?' I said: 'That I would be forgiven.' He said: 'Are you not aware that Islam wipes out all (sins) that preceded it, and that Hijrah wipes out all (sins) that preceded it, and that Hajj wipes out all (sins) that preceded it?' Thereafter, no one was dearer to me than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) nor was there anyone more revered in my eyes than him.

I could never bring myself to catch a full glimpse of his face out of respect for him. If I were asked to describe his features, I would not be able to because I have never fully looked at him. Had I died in that state, I could have hoped to be from the dwellers of Paradise. Thereafter, we were made responsible for many things and in the light of which I am unable to know what is in store for me. When I die, let neither wailing woman nor fire accompany me.

When you bury me, throw the earth gently over me, then stand around my grave for the time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed so that I may find relief in your company and prepare what answer I can give to the messengers of my Lord."