It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) that he informed Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) during the journey to Syria that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "This is a punishment that came upon the nations before you, so if you hear of an epidemic in a land, do not go there, and if it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave from there." Upon hearing this, Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) returned from Syria.