Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: I said: "O Messenger of Allah, how did your affair begin?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "(I am the result of) the supplication of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the glad tidings of Sayyiduna Isa (peace be upon him). My mother saw that a light came out of her, and by that light the palaces of Syria were lit up."
Imam Ahmad recorded it, and its chain is hasan (good); this narration has supporting reports (shawahid) that strengthen it. At-Tabarani also recorded it.