تحفة النظار في غرايب الامصار وعجايب الاسفار 7.2.3

7.2.3

I then tied on the other shoe and drank until my thirst was assuaged. After that I cut the shoe and tied its uppers on my foot with the rope off the well and bits of cloth which I found there. While I was tying this on and wondering what to do, a person appeared before me. I looked at him, and lo! it was a black-skinned man, carrying a jug and a staff in his hand, and a wallet on his shoulder. He gave me the Muslim greeting “Peace be upon you” and I replied “Upon you be peace and the mercy and blessings of God.” Then he asked me in Persian who I was, and I answered “A man astray,” and he said: “So am I.” Thereupon he tied his jug to a rope which he had with him and drew up some water. I wished to drink but he saying “Have patience,” opened his wallet and brought out a handful of black chick-peas fried with a little rice. After I had eaten some of this and drunk, he made his ablutions and prayed two prostrations and I did the same. Thereupon he asked me my name. I answered “Muhammad” and asked him his, to which he replied “Joyous Heart.” I took this as a good omen and rejoiced at it. After this he said to me “In the name of God accompany me.” I said “Yes,” and walked on with him for a little, then I found my limbs giving way, and as I was unable to stand up I sat down. He said “What is the matter with you?” I answered “I was able to walk before meeting you, but now that I have met you I cannot.” Whereupon he said “Glory be to God!