It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Hawalah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Soon this matter will become so great that countless armies will be prepared; thus, one army will be in Shaam, one in Yemen, and one in Iraq." Ibn Hawalah asked: "O Messenger of Allah! If I reach that time, please tell me a chosen path?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Make Shaam obligatory upon yourself, for it is the best land of Allah, to which He selects His chosen servants. If you cannot do that, then make Yemen obligatory upon yourself, and keep giving people water from your reservoirs, for Allah the Exalted has taken the responsibility of the people of Shaam and the land of Shaam upon Himself for my sake."