Elias of Nisibis (975–1046 CE) recorded that A.H. 131 (31 August 748 – 19 August 749 CE) was a year in which there were many earthquakes, suggesting that two or more major earthquakes and aftershocks occurred. He reported that many places were ruined and that a valley near Mount Tabor was transported for four miles with its houses and properties, yet not a single grain of dust fell from the houses and no man or animal perished – not even a chicken.

This account bears a strong resemblance to the translational-landslide story described by the Byzantine authors in connection with the Talking Mule Quake, which they appear to locate in northern Syria. Elias likely relocated the landslide for theological reasons – to show that divine displeasure, expressed through an earthquake, affected “sacred geography.” Mount Tabor was, and remains, the traditional pilgrimage site associated with the New Testament story of the Transfiguration .

Like Pseudo-Dionysius of Tell-Mahre, Elias also recounted the collapse of a church in Mabbug.