Abdur Rahman bin Ghanm says: When the plague came to the region of Syria, Sayyiduna Amr bin al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) delivered a sermon and said: This plague is a punishment, so scatter into the mountain passes and go into the valleys to escape from it. When this statement reached Sayyiduna Shurahbil bin Hasana (may Allah be pleased with him), he became angry, picked up his shoe in his hand, pulled his cloak, and came forward and said: I attained the honor of companionship with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) at a time when Amr was more astray than his family's donkey. This plague is the mercy of your Lord, the supplication of your Prophet, and it has been the cause of death for the righteous people before you.