It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that the Quraish went to a Sorceress and they said to her: "Tell us whose footprints most resemble those of the owner of Al- Maqam (the station of Ibrahim)." She said: "If you spread a piece of cloth over this soft earth and walk Over it, I will tell you." So they spread out a piece of cloth and the people walked over it. She saw the footprints of the Messenger of Allah and said: "This one most closely resembles him among you." After that twenty years passed, or as long as Allah willed, then Allah sent Muhammad (i.e., missioned him as the Prophet).