My heart became attached to this discourse and the mention of these people he described. It was as if he stirred something silent within me, and it ignited in my heart like fires. I said to myself: "I do not think but that Allah — Exalted Glory — will, in every prayer I pray during my night and day in humility and supplication, ease for me the gathering with these people and facilitate for me the arrival to them." I remained in such a state, when a slumber overtook me, and I saw as if I had gathered with you and we were both traveling toward the dwellings of the people, striving on the path, when night overtook us and darkness descended upon us. We were not guided to the path and stood bewildered, not knowing which path to take. While we were in that state, supplicating to Allah — Exalted Glory — and imploring Him to reveal a path to guide us, suddenly the sun shone upon the face of the earth in the form of a man. He strove toward us and drew near, being in the form of a knight whose face nearly snatched the sight. He drew near to us and said: "Mount these two horses." There were two horses following him behind him. He said: "Mount, travel, and strive in the journey, for you have been granted success and guided; you shall reach your desire." So, we mounted the two horses and strove in the journey, and we did not cease thus until we reached [the goal]. When I saw that in my dream, I knew that Allah only sent that person to us because he would facilitate the path for us and cause us to reach our desire. So, the moment you read this letter of mine, remove your ailment, cut your hope from the world, divide your estates and wealth among your children, and give to Abu al-Maymun Abu al-Hasan ibn Harun al-Samarra'i the same as you give to each of your children; make them equal and leave nothing for yourself, not even a connection. Travel to me and do not stay behind, so that we may complete our Hajj and travel, if Allah the Almighty wills.'1
'I did what I knew of dividing my estates and wealth, made you equal with my children, married you to my daughter, entrusted my testament