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Abu Dhar al-Ghaffari

Between the disciples of our prophet Mohammad, Abu Dhar al Ghaffary was a more truthful, strong and pious. From the outset of his conversion to Islam till the last moment of his life, he didn't stray from the Path of Truth. He fought hardly against oppression and was one who fully supported Ahl-ul-bayt (a.s) and their wilayah and was among the first people to convert to Islam. Because of this, he is considered among the "most fervent in Islam." 1 He was the first person in Mecca to publish his conversion and with his distinct manner aired his belief in the 'Oneness of Allah' near to the Holy Ka'ba.2

The Messenger of God (saw) praised Abu Dhar and said to him: "May Allah bless you, O Abu Dhar! Truly, you live alone, die alone, rise alone and will enter heaven alone! Fortunate and amongst the delivered are those who will attend the ceremonial washing of your body after your death and your burial. The sky has cast no shadow and the earth received not one more truthful than you."

"Abu Dhar you are truly one of the Ahl ul-Bayt so love my Ahl ul-Bayt, those whom God keeps away from indecent actions and wickedness and purified them integrally."

The clairvoyance and insight of the Prophet (saw) after his death, was confirmed for all because Abu Dhar, in the midst of the storm of events and dark political circumstances, among more than 100,000 persons in GhadirKhum, stood up like a strong cedar, a vigilant vanguard and had a revolutionary, penetrating and influential presence. He was not at all deterred by the conditions and polluted atmosphere of allure and intimidation by money and force.4

Abu Dhar from the early beginning of his move towards the Prophet (SAW), had witnessed the accompaniment of Imam Ali (a.s) by the side of the Prophet (saw), who at the time was a youngster, and he was also quite aware of Hazrat Fatima's (a.s) diligent endeavor in the course of the Risalah (prophetic mission) of the Holy Prophet (saw). Therefore, he had faith based on recognition and insight regarding the Prophet (saw) and his purified household. So when silver and gold coins of leaders of Medina and Syria discreetly were sent to him, his only answer was: "I have a loaf of oat bread which can see me through for a few days. With the Wilayat of Imam Ali (a.s) and his chaste relatives, I feel no need for others." 5

In many occasion, he decisively defended Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a) and cried out loud: "Truly because of Ali's (a.s) Wilayat and his family, who call everyone to truth, justice, devotion and who are men of guidance and justice, I feel wealth than more people. I learnt many things about Ali (a.s) and his great family's characteristics from the Prophet (saw)... Hence, Ali (a.s) is very truthful, most pious and the distinguisher between good and evil after the Prophet of God (saw). He is 'Amirul-Muminin' - Leader of the Faithful and wealth of the under privileged people." 6

Abu Dhar and Hazrat Zahra (a.s)

Abu Dhar's relentless faith, thunderous cries and forceful protection of Fatima (s.a), in the midst of her pain and affliction were the soothing remedy for her burning wounds, especially whenever his deep perception and clear recognition led him to take a decisive stand against secularism and worldliness. It seemed that Abu Dhar echoed Zahra's (s.a) truthful thoughts.

It has been mentioned from Abu Dhar that: "O Allah! I love Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussein, even if I am dismembered for the sake of their love, I would follow this path until I meet You and in following this path I seek Your satisfaction." 7

Fatima (s.a) in return, held Abu Dhar in high regard and at opportune moments praised him and introduced him as a confidante of the Household of Prophethood and Imamate. One day, she mentioned her meeting with three beautiful, jovial and perfumed girls, who were Ouru'ein (beautiful girls of Heaven and devotees of Zahra their queen (s.a)). She inquired their names. While introducing themselves, the second girl called Zorat said that God had intended her for Abu Dhar.,8

Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s) said that my grandmother Hazrat Fatima (s.a) said to Imam Ali (a.s):

"Upon my death, don't inform anyone but Ummu Salama and Fizza among the women and in addition to my two sons, Hassan and Hussain, inform Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, Salman Farsi, Ammar Yathir, Abu Dhar and Huzaifah among men." 9

Notes :
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1. See C. Padwick, Muslim Devotions, London, 1961. 1- As Safuh Men as Sahabah wa Shakirin, Hussein Ash Shakeri, Vol. 1. p. 67-115.

2- Ibid, p. 68 & 69.

3- Sharhul Akhbar fi Fazael ul Aematal Athar (AS), p. 502,

4- Tarikh At Tabari, Vol. 4, P. 283.

5- Naqd ar Rejal, Vol. 1, p.77.

6- Al Majalis As Saniah, Vol. 1, p. 243-245.

7- Aayan Ash Shi'a, Vol. 16, p. 319-321.

8- Rayahin Ash Shariah, Vol. 1, p. 135.

9- Tarikh at Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 30 & Kefatu Talib, p.225.