What is the authenticity of the story about Abu Bakr's dream in Syria and the interpretation of it by the monk Bahira, which suggests that he would become the minister and successor of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him?

Muhibb al-Din al-Tabari mentioned in his book "Al-Riyad al-Nadira" the story of Abu Bakr's conversion to Islam. In it, he saw a dream while he was a merchant in Syria (Al-Sham), and he related it to the monk Bahira. Bahira told him that a prophet would be sent from his people, and Abu Bakr would be his minister and successor. When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was sent, Abu Bakr came to him and asked for proof. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The dream you saw in Syria." So, Abu Bakr embraced Islam.

The author did not transmit the chain of narration for this report, so its isnad (chain of transmission) is unknown. Furthermore, Muhibb al-Din al-Tabari does not commit to transmitting only authentic reports.

The phrase "between its two lava fields" (ما بين لابتيها), which was said about Mecca, is objectionable in this report because this phrase is specific to Medina. The correct expression to use for Mecca is "between its two mountains" (بين أخشبيها).