Shaikh Mufeed quotes in ‘Al Irshad’ that when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) returned to Madina from the expedition of Tabook, Amr bin Ma’dikarib came to visit him. The Prophet said to him,
“Submit to Islam Amr, then Allah will protect you from the greatest terror.”
“What is the greatest terror”? he asked, “for I fear nothing.”
It is said that Amr was a very brave and strong man. His bravery can be proved by the fact that he had conquered many areas. His sword was famous by the name of ‘Shamsheere Samsaam’. One stroke of his sword would cut asunder the neck of a camel. During the caliphate of Umar ibne Khattab, Umar told Amr to gift him his sword. Amr gave it to him. Umar hit it hard but it had no effect. He threw it in a rage saying that it was no good. To which Amr replied, “O King! You asked for my sword, not my hands.” Umar became furious at this reply and ordered him to be executed.
When Amr told the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) that I fear nothing, the Prophet said,
“Amr, it is not as you think and suppose. Indeed there will be one great shout among the people. Not one person will remain who does not attend, nor a living person who does not die, except as Allah wishes. Then there will be another great shout among them, and those who are dead will assemble and all get into ranks. The heavens will split open and the earth will be crushed. The mountains will be cut asunder and fire will hurl them like sparks. No one who has a soul will remain, except his heart be stripped bare while he mentions his sins and is occupied with his soul, except as Allah wishes. Then, where will you be, Amr at this”?
“Indeed I am hearing of a terrible event”, said Amr. Then he believed in Allah and His Apostle. People from his tribe also accepted Islam and returned back.