his knowledge, the eloquence of his tongue, and his novel teaching method. This image was etched in the mind of Abd al-Mu'min, who showed a passion for knowledge and a desire to acquire it. When Abd al-Salam al-Tusubi passed away, his disciples who frequented his lessons decided to invite Ibn Tumart to teach in his place. They appointed Abd al-Mu'min ibn Ali to undertake this mission. He eagerly accepted, especially since he had received a message from a friend in Bejaia informing him that a scholar deeply versed in the principles of religion, which was his particular concern, had arrived in the city and was inviting him to meet and learn from him. This scholar was none other than Muhammad ibn Tumart. So he set out for this learned scholar.

He traveled to his homeland, accompanied by his uncle and other companions, with the intention of performing the pilgrimage and seeking knowledge in the East. Upon arriving in Bejaia, they heard news of the scholar returning from the East with new knowledge. Abd al-Mu'min asked his uncle for permission to meet him and learn what he had. Although this account is mentioned by most historians, the first account is more probable because it comes from Abd al-Mu'min himself, as mentioned by Ibn al-Qattan. However, combining the two accounts does not lead to a contradiction; they may be complementary.

Some accounts delve into the mythical aspect, stating that Ibn Tumart had a vision that this matter, which concerned the revival of religion, would be undertaken by Abd al-Mu'min. This is what he understood from sand divination, as well as from the book of Jafr, which he brought from the East. Therefore, as soon as he saw the face of this young man, he recognized him.

[See: Ibn al-Qattan, Nuzm al-Juman: (134); Ibn Khaldun, Al-'Ibar: 235/1. [See: Ibn al-Qattan, Nuzm al-Juman: (135). [See: Al-Baydaq, Akhbar al-Mahdi: (136). The story of Abd al-Mu'min's intention to travel to the East for pilgrimage and learning is considered by the Almohad historians to be a reflection of their view of his equality with Ibn Tumart. This is an opinion not based on documentary evidence. [See: Huisman-Miranda, Histoire des Almohades: (137). It is a book among the Shiites containing knowledge of future events. See: Encyclopaedia of Islam: article "Jafr", and Ibn Khaldun, Al-Muqaddimah: 297 and onwards.