The Great Companion of the Prophet (s) : Abu Dharr
The Great Companion of the Prophet (s) : Abu Dharr
by :
A Group of Scholars
An alert mind today notices a change in the intellectual life of man. Science and technology with their wondrous achievements seem to have reached their zenith. Material needs together with the passion for authority and supremacy, have led man towards an apparent bankruptcy of the moral values. In this desperate situation one is forced to pause and reassess the potential dangers threatening mankind as a whole. Man, has once again set his eyes on Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful as he has now realized that the solution to his problems and his ultimate salvation lies in following the Divine commandments.
This shift from the material to the spiritual thinking is fully in keeping with the aims and objects of the Islamic Seminary. Religious precepts, abreast with the developments of our time, provide the much-needed sanctuary for the troubled and anxious mind. It is a result of increasing awareness, that it is being realized that the secret of living a virtuous life in this world leads to the eternal bliss of life in the Hereafter. This is the universal message of ISLAM.
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When, after thirteen years of continuous suffering and struggle, the Prophet of Islam left Mecca for Medina, he felt that the period of the violability of Islam and its being practised secretly had come to an end and with the assistance of his faithful and brave companions he should build the grand edifice of Islamic polity and lay the foundation of his political regime in the manner desired by Allah.
Immediately after his arrival in Medina the Holy Prophet built a masjid there. He built for himself a house adjacent to it, and made its door open into the masjid. There was no change in his life from the beginning to the end. His behaviour, manners, and conduct remained the same even after the establishment of the Islamic Government throughout Arabia.
A new regime and a new State came into existence in the midst of the two great super powers of that time. In this Islamic State there was no ruler and subject, no officer and subordinate, and no master and slave. All were equal before Allah.
The founder of this regime breathed his last and with the deprivation of Ali and the formation of political factions. The first deviation which rocked the Islamic foundation took place in the matter of Caliphate.
One of the most sincere and brave companions of the Holy Prophet (s) was Abuzar. He was the fifth person to embrace Islam and his sword had been very effective for the advancement of the Islamic movement. He now saw all these deviations. Ali, who was the embodiment of virtue and truth, had to go into seclusion and the enemies of Islam had penetrated into the organization of the Caliphate and were destroying Islam like termite.
Abuzar was immensely disturbed and alarmed and saw that the future of Islam was dark and dreadful. However, he also saw that in any case the caravan of Islam was proceeding on its path and, although a great right had been violated, the Islamic system had not completely broken down. Hence, though he was extremely grieved and agitated, yet he remained silent.
When Uthman's regime acquired mastery of Islam the rights of workers and the helpless Muslims were violated by the usurers, the dealers in slaves, the rich and the aristocrats, who frequented the courts of Uthman and Mu'awiyah. Class distinctions and hoarding of wealth were revived and Islam was threatened by a great danger. The ways and manners of the Holy Prophet were abandoned. Thousands of dinars were spent on the construction of the Green Palace of the Islamic Ruler (Mu'awiyah) and an organization like the imperial courts was set up. Umar led his life like an ordinary man and Abu Bakr, in order to earn his livelihood, used to milk the she-goats of a Jew, whereas the necklace of the wife of Uthman, the third Caliph, cost as much as one third of the revenue received from Africa.
Taking undue advantage of the position of his father, the son of one of the highest officers of Umar took the horse of a man by force and Umar prosecuted both the father and the son. On the other hand Uthman appointed Marwan bin Hakam as his adviser, the man who had been exiled by the Holy Prophet and gifted him the estate of Khayber as well as the revenue received from Africa!
When Abuzar observed these shameful activities he could no longer tolerate all this, he rose against that tyrannical regime. It was a courageous and bold rising which made all the Islamic territories revolt against Uthman; its roaring waves can still be seen in the human societies.
Abuzar was anxious to establish the abandoned Islamic values, whereas Uthman's administration was violating it by reviving aristocracy. Abuzar considered Islam to be the refuge of those, who were helpless, oppressed and deprived, and Uthman had made it the means of support for the aristocrats and the usurers.
This rift between Abuzar and Uthman continued, and eventually Abuzar lost his life on this account.
Abuzar recognized the Almighty Allah; hence he never became lax in His path even for a moment. He turned up to be a 'perfect man' in the school of Islam and this very thing should be sufficient to show his greatness.
Abuzar is one of those leaders and saviours of freedom whom humanity needs today. Especially since the time machinery has created a serious crisis in the world of economy, and the economic problems have been treated to be the most basic problems of life, his views have gained greater importance. The same situation, which he created in Syria and Medina by collecting the needy and helpless persons around him and instigating them to rise against the usurers and the hoarders of wealth, has also been created in these days. The Muslims of the world recall his fascinating words, correct views and fiery speeches. It may be said that they can see in the remote parts of history that he has collected the oppressed and the helpless in the masjid and is stirring their feelings against the inmates of Green Palaces and the dirty organization of Uthman and announcing in public.
Those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it for the cause of Allah, should know that their recompense will be a painful torment. (Surah al-Tawbah, 9: 34)
“O Mu 'awiyah! If you are constructing this palace with your own money it is extravagance, and, if you are constructing it with the public funds, it is misappropriation".
“O Uthman! The poor have been made poorer by you and the rich have been made richer by you".
Publishers
Abuzar was one of those companions of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (s), who were pious and freedom-loving and possessed a lofty character, and according to the remark of the Holy Prophet (s), ardently desired by Heaven and the residents of Heaven. He was benefited by the company of the Prophet in the real sense of the word. Abuzar himself says, "My real name is Jundab bin Junadah, but after my embracing Islam the Prophet (s) gave me the name "Abdullah" and this is the name I like most". Abuzar was his kuniyyah (patronymic appellation) after his eldest son Zar. Scholars agree that Abuzar was the son of Junadah bin Qays bin Saghir bin Hazam bin Ghifar and his mother was Ramlah daughter of Waqi'ah Ghifariah. He was an Arab by race and belonged to the tribe of Ghifar. That is why the word "Ghifari" is written with his name. Abdullah al-Subaiti writes, “When we look at Abuzar's biography it seems that he was a light personified. He was the embodiment of qualities of a great man. He had a rare distinction of being endowed with intelligence, understanding, sagacity and wit". In the words of Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a): "He was always immersed in thought and his prayers were based on his reflections about God". (Sahih Muslim)
The famous Egyptian author Abdul Hamid Jaudatus Sahar, in his book "Al-Ishtiraki az-Zahid", writes. "Once there occurred a severe famine. The chiefs of Ghifar tribe assembled for consultation as to what they should do, because it had not rained since long, Hence, it was a time of great suffering. The animals had become lean and thin and the stores and stocks were all exhausted. They said to each other, "We do not know why our god (Idol Manat) got offended with us, although we prayed for rain, sacrificed camels in offering and did everything possible to win its favour. The rainy season has now come to a close. There is not a trace of cloud in the sky. There has been no thunder and no shower this time, not even a drop of rain or a drizzle. What do you think? Have we turned perverts that the wrath of our god has befallen us? Why should it feel offended with us when we have made so many sacrifices for its pleasure”?
People began to ponder over the matter and exchanged views. They thought to themselves: "Man cannot interfere with heavenly arrangement. No one can bring clouds and rains from the sky. This can only be done by "Manat". Hence we do not have any other alternative except that we, men and women, come out for pilgrimage, wailing and praying and beg Manat's forgiveness. It may, perhaps, forgive us and pour down rain to make the earth green after barrenness, so that our poverty is changed to prosperity, pain to pleasure and hardship to ease and comfort".
The whole tribe, therefore, started making preparations for a journey to reach Manat. Those who were sleeping got up, and began to put litters on their camels. Unais (Abuzar's brother) also rode his camel and drove her, in order to join the caravan, towards the sea coast, the Mushalsal and Qadid which lie between Mecca and Medina, and where Manat is set up. Unais looked around but could not see his brother. He made the camel sit, ran towards the house. He entered the house calling "Jundab"! "Jundab"! When he saw that Jundab was lying in his bed comfortably, he said;
Unais: Did you not hear the “call” to come out for the journey?
Abuzar: Yes, I did. But what should I do when I feel weary, and also I do not want to go on a pilgrimage to Manat either
Unais: Shut up! Ask the god for mercy. Do you not fear lest the god should hear you and send torment on you?
Jundab: Are you convinced that (Manat) hears our voice and sees us?
Unais: What has happened to you today? Has any genie overpowered you, or have you contracted a disease? Come, feel sorry. It may, perhaps, accept your remorse.
When Abuzar started rolling in his bed, his brother said, "Rise! The caravan has moved, and off goes the tribe".
The brothers were busy talking when their mother dropped in and they kept quiet.
Mother: My sons! What is your opinion?
Unais: About what, mother?
Mother: About the rain.
Unais: We agree to your proposal.
Mother: I propose to go to your maternal uncle who is a rich man.
Unais: All right! As you please. May god improve our condition.
Abuzar and Unais along with their mother came to their uncle's house. Their uncle entertained them with great hospitality. They stayed there for a long time. Their hardship had now changed to comfort and their pain to pleasure. When their tribesmen saw that their uncle was very kind to Abuzar and Unais and loved them like his own children, they felt jealous of them and started to think out plans by which he may despise them. They kept on thinking and consulting one another, till at last, they decided upon a device and selected a man for their conspiracy. That man came to the uncle of Abuzar and sat down, quiet and downcast. Abuzar's uncle asked him, "Yes, how do you do?" That man assumed a sorrowful look and said, "I have come to you for an important business! Had it not been for my affection towards you or out of respect for you, I would not have told you anything. But my loyalty has forced me to do so. I want to unfold what is hidden to .you, so that you may see what is happening because I see that favour is rewarded with ingratitude".
Abuzar's uncle felt that there was something definitely amiss. He felt much aggrieved and said, "Speak out frankly". The man said, "How should I tell you that when you go out Unais, your nephew sits with your wife and talks to her secretly. I do not know what he talks about". Unais's uncle said, "This is a false accusation against him, and I cannot believe it in any case". He replied, "We also wished it to be false and a calumny. But I regret to say that it is a fact". He asked him for a proof of it. The man replied, "The whole tribe can bear witness to it. All have seen him and have the same feeling. If you so desire I can produce countless witnesses from my tribe". Hearing this, the poor fellow began to think of his honour and prestige. He felt his self-respect injured. That man went out of the house after having bitten him like a serpent. Unais's uncle felt convinced about it. He made constant efforts to regain his peace of mind, but he could not do so. He was very sad and felt anguish and agony day and night. Whenever his nephews happened to come before him he turned his face away. Stillness pervaded the whole house. When Abuzar saw signs of grief on the face of his uncle he asked, "Dear uncle! What has happened to you? I have been observing your changed state for some days. You talk to us very little unusually and remain very thoughtful and depressed”.
The uncle answered, "There is nothing unusual".
Abuzar said, "No, there is certainly some reason behind it. Please tell me. Perhaps, I may relieve you of your worries or I may share some of your troubles".
He said, "I cannot describe what my tribesmen have told me".
Abuzar said, “Please let me know. What have the tribesmen told you?”
His uncle replied. "They say that Unais goes to my wife when I am away from home".
Hearing this Abuzar flushed crimson with anger and said, "You have spoiled the favours that you have done us. Now we leave, and will not see you again". At last they set off from there and took their dwelling at "Batn Marv" which was situated near Mecca. Here, Abuzar came to know that a prophet had appeared at Mecca. He became anxious to know about it. He, at once, called his brother Unais and asked him to go to Mecca and find out the particulars of the Prophet. Unais had not yet set out for Mecca when a man was seen coming from there and he went straight away to join the company at Abuzar's house. Abuzar asked him, "Where are you coming from?" He answered, "I am coming from Mecca". Abuzar asked, "What is the situation over there? He replied: "A man says that he is a prophet and he gets revelation from the heavens". Abuzar said: "What did the Meccans do with him?" The man said: "They falsified him, tortured him, and prevented the people from going to him. They frighten and threaten everyone who goes to him". Abuzar asked: "Why do the people not believe him?" "How can they believe him", he said, "who vilifies their gods, calls them foolish and their forefathers perverts".
Abuzar said: "Does he really say so?"
"Yes, he says that God is one. Just see! What a strange thing it is!" said he.
Abuzar started thinking about the man who said that God is One. He kept on thinking quietly for quite some time. The new comer looked at him and found him thoughtful. He begged leave of him and departed. After his departure Abuzar addressing his brother Unais, said, "Just go to Mecca and find out who this man is. He says that he receives revelation from the heavens. What is the mode of his conversation? See if there is any sincerity in his talk or not". Unais set off on the journey. After crossing different stations he reached Mecca and went to Ka 'bah for circumambulation. When he came out from there, he saw a crowd of people. He asked a man who was coming towards him, "What is going on here?" He replied, "An apostate is inviting the people to a new faith". As soon as Unais heard it, he ran to that place. On reaching there he saw that a man was saying, "Praise belongs to Allah. I praise Him and seek help from Him. I believe in Him, depend on Him and testify that there is no God except He and He has no partner”.
To quote Subaiti, Unais heard that man proclaiming, "O people! I have brought for you the blessings of the world and the hereafter. Say that there is no god except Allah, so that you may get deliverance. I am a messenger of Allah and have come to you. I warn you of the punishment of the Day of Judgment. Remember that nobody will get deliverance except the one who comes to the presence of Allah with a humble heart. Neither the riches will be of any use to you, nor will your children help you. Fear Allah, Allah will be kind to you. O people! Listen to me! I say clearly that your forefathers had deviated from the right path in worshipping these idols and you are also following in their footsteps. Remember that these idols can neither harm you, nor can they benefit you. They can neither stop you, nor guide you". When Unais listened to this eloquent address he got astonished. But in his astonishment he saw that people were talking different things against him. Hearing this, the Prophet said, “Prophets do not tell lies. I swear by Allah other than whom there is no god that I have been sent to you as a messenger. By Allah you will die as you sleep and will rise as you wake up. You will be called to account for your deeds. Then you will get eternal Heaven or Hell”. On saying this people asked the Prophet, how they would rise after becoming dust. At that time Allah revealed the following verses: "Muhammad, say: Yes, even if you become rocks, iron or anything that you think is harder to be brought to life. They will soon ask: Who will bring us back to life? Say: The One who created you for the first time: They will shake their heads and say: When will He bring us back to life? Say: Perhaps very soon". (Surah Isra, 17:50- 51)
As soon as the Prophet finished his speech people got up. While they were dispersing from there, one of them said, "He is a soothsayer". Another said, "No, he is a poet". The third one remarked, "He is a magician". Unais listened to the Prophet and the people. He kept his head down for some time and murmured; "By Allah, his words are sweet. What he has said is true and those people are undoubtedly foolish". Then he rode his camel and set off. He kept on thinking about Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah, throughout the journey, and was wondering at his talk, till he joined Abuzar. As soon as Abuzar looked at Unais, he asked him eagerly, "What is the news? What did you see at Mecca?"
Unais; I am coming after seeing a man who says that God is One. I saw that he orders the people to do good and refrain from evil.
Abuzar: What do people say about him?
Unais: They say that he is a poet, a magician and a soothsayer. But when I examined his talk from the point of view of poetry I found that it is not poetry. He is neither a magician because I have seen magicians, nor is he a soothsayer as I have met many soothsayers, and his talk is not like that of the soothsayers.
Abuzar: What does he do and what does he say?
Unais: He says wonderful things.
Abuzar: Can you not recall anything which he talked of?
Unais: By Allah! His speech was very sweet, but I do not remember anything more than that which I told you, but I have seen him offering prayers near the Ka'bah, and have also seen a handsome boy who is of a preadolescent age, offering prayers beside him. People say that he is his cousin Ali. I also saw a woman offering prayers behind him. People told me that she is his wife, Khadijah.
After listening to his brother Abuzar said, "I am not satisfied with your report. I shall go there myself, see him and listen to him personally". Abuzar reached Mecca, entered the vicinity of Ka'bah and started looking for the Prophet, but neither he found him there, nor did he hear any mention of him. He stayed there till sunset. Ali came and passed by Abuzar, who was sitting. Ali asked him, “You look to be a traveller. Isn't it?”
Abuzar: Yes!
Ali: Come on with me. Ali took him to his house. Both of them were going silently. Abuzar did not ask him anything till they reached the house. Ali made arrangements for his stay and Abuzar went to sleep. Next morning he again went to Ka'bah in search of the Prophet. Neither he asked anybody of him, nor did anybody tell him anything. He kept waiting anxiously till the day came to an end. Ali came round again as usual and passed in front of him. As soon as he saw Abuzar, he asked, “Could you not go back home up till now?"
Abuzar: No!
Ali: All right! Then, come along with me. Both of them were going silently when Ali asked, "Why! What is the reason of your coming over here?"
Abuzar: I can tell you the reason if you do not disclose it.
Ali: "Speak out frankly whatever you want to say. I will not tell it to anybody”.
Abuzar: I have come to know that a man has appeared and he calls himself a prophet. I had sent my brother to talk to him. He returned and could not give me any satisfactory information. Now, I am determined to see him myself.
Ali: You have come upto the right man. I am going towards him. Just follow me. Enter wherever I enter. If I feel any danger I shall be setting my shoe right, standing near a wall, and when I start doing so you should go back.
Abuzar says, "Ali took me into a house. I saw that a light personified was manifest there. As soon as I saw him I was attracted towards him and felt like kissing his feet. Hence I saluted him saying Assalamu Alaykum". (He was the first man who saluted the Prophet of Islam in an Islamic way, before embracing Islam).
Returning the salute he said, wa Alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahe wa barakatoh. "Yes, what do you want?"
I replied, "I have come to you in a spirit of faith". He instructed me about necessary matters and asked me to recite the Kalimah (La ilaha illallah Muhammadun Rasulullah) I recited it to him and thus entered the fold of Islam.
Thereafter he took leave of the Prophet and started for the Ka'bah. Upon reaching there, when he saw a big gathering of Qurayshite infidels, he shouted in a loud voice, "Hear O Quraysh, I stand witness that Allah is One and Muhammad is His Prophet".
This voice frightened the audition of Quraysh and demolished the image of their Laat and Uzza. The feeling of the Quraysh that the dignity of their idols had been pulled down made them extremely perturbed.
At last people in unison encircled Abuzar. They started beating him so severely that he fainted. He would have nearly died but for the sudden arrival of Abbas bin Abd al-Muttalib. When he saw that the devotee of Muhammad was about to die, he could not help laying himself down on Abuzar.
He said, "O people! What has happened to you? You are killing a great man of Bani Ghifar. Why have you forgotten that you carry on trade with Bani Ghifar and visit them off and on. Don't you fear his tribe at all". At this those people left Abuzar and went away.
After they had left, Abuzar who was bleeding, got up from there and. went to the well of Zamzam.
He felt extremely thirsty on account of severe wounds and profuse bleeding. Hence he drank water first and then cleansed his body. After that he came groaning to the Holy Prophet. As soon as the Prophet saw him in this condition he felt very sorry for him and said, Abuzar! Have you eaten or drunk something?"
Abuzar: My master! I have felt some relief after drinking the water of Zamzam.
Prophet: No doubt it gives relief.
After that he consoled Abuzar and provided him with food.
Though Abuzar had suffered much because of his speech, yet his religious fervour did not allow him to return to his country calmly. His firm belief demanded to make Quraysh believe that human intelligence despises the superstition of idolatry.
He took leave of the Prophet and came to the precincts of Ka'bah again. He stood upon a raised spot and called out with a firm determination. "O people of Quraysh! Listen to me. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah".
Hearing this, those perverts who saw the foundations of their gods being shaken and who had been so much agitated by his earlier speech were once again startled and in a state of confusion turned towards his voice and hurriedly gathered around him. They were shouting. "Kill this Ghifari as soon as possible as he is bent upon insulting our gods".
The whole assembly cried with one voice “Kill Abuzar”. Consequently they beat Abuzar so severely that he fainted.
Seeing this Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib came forward and laid himself down on him as he did the day before, and said, "O Quraysh! What has happened to you that you are killing a Ghifari although you have good relations with his tribe and your trade is flourishing with the help of his tribe. Get aside. Do not beat him any more".
Upon hearing this all of them went away leaving Abuzar in a state of unconsciousness. When Abuzar came to his senses, he went to the well of Zamzam and after drinking its water cleaned his body of blood.
Abdullah Subaiti writes that though Abuzar had suffered wounds yet he forced the Quraysh to form an opinion through his speeches that Islam had spread around the people and they had been deeply impressed by it.
In short Abuzar got up from the well of Zamzam and reached the Holy Prophet. When the Prophet saw Abuzar in this condition he said, "O Abuzar! Where have you been and why are you in this condition?" Abuzar replied, "I had gone to Ka'bah again. I delivered a speech there and took a blood bath. Now I have come to you after cleaning my body with the water of Zamzam. The Prophet said, "O Abuzar! Now I order you to go back to your country at once. Listen! When you reach your home, your uncle will have died. Since he has no heir but you, you will be his sole successor and owner of his property. Go and spend the property for the propagation of Islam. I shall shortly migrate from Mecca to the town of date-palms. You should continue working there till I migrate". Abuzar said, "Yes! My master it is all the good. I shall leave very soon and keep on propagating Islam ".
(Sahih Bukhari vol. p. 47 chapter Islam and Abuzar, printed in Egypt, 1312 Hijra)
After embracing Islam, Abuzar left Mecca for his country. Abdullah Subaiti writes what when Abuzar took leave of the Prophet he was brimful of complete faith, and Islam had pervaded his personality. He started from there with great joy. He was very happy that Allah had guided him to a faith which is accepted by pure bondmen and conscience is satisfied with it and reason whole-heartedly welcomes it.
He went on and reached his country. The first man to greet him was his brother Unais, and he was also the first to get the flash of his faith. Unais came forward to kiss his brother's feet and said, "O brother! You have spent so many days in Mecca. Now tell me what you have made out".
Abuzar said, "Unais! I have arrived at a conclusion which is welcomed by sound reason. I concluded after a lot of thinking that I should accept the faith of Muhammad. O Unais! I cannot tell you that when I met Muhammad and looked at his face, I felt as if my chest was expanding. My heart was filled with pleasure and the mind was intoxicated with faith. I, at once, recited the formula of faith (Kalimah) and acknowledging his Prophethood requested him to teach me the articles of faith. So he explained to me the principles of Islam. O Unais! I ask you honestly with the sincerity of intention to bow your head humbly before Allah and leave the worship of these men made gods of stone".
Hearing this, Unais sat down with his head bowed and started thinking. He got in such a state as if intoxicated. Unais recalled all those things which he himself had seen in Mecca. He spoke after a while, "O brother! My mind confirms your truthfulness and my sound reason asks me not to disobey you. Hence listen! I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". Abuzar became very happy on Unais's accepting the faith. He said to him: "Now let us go to our mother". Both of them then went to their mother. Greeting his mother Abuzar said, "Dear mother! I beg your pardon! I have been away from you for a very long time. But, I have brought a treasure which nobody possesses here". His mother asked, "What is that treasure which distinguishes you?" Abuzar said, it is the treasure of faith, mother. I met a person in Mecca whose face gleamed with nobleness. He is peerless in good manners and magnanimity. He speaks what is true. He says what is right. He does what is just. There is wisdom in his words. Mother! His enemies also call him truthful and trustworthy. He invites people towards Allah who is the creator of heaven and the earth and is the organizer of the existence of this universe. I have acknowledged faith in him having been influenced by his bearing, statements and sayings, and Unais has also become a Muslim. We have accepted the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (s).
Abuzar's mother said: "My son, if it is so I also bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and testifies that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". Abuzar was encouraged when his brother and mother also embraced Islam and now he began thinking how to influence his tribesmen and persuade them towards the right path. After great deliberation Abuzar came out of his house. His mother and brother were also with him. After travelling a little distance they pitched their tent near their tribe's tents. The night had fallen. These tired travellers were lying in their tents to sleep when they felt that many tribesmen who were present at that place were telling stories among themselves and narrating different events. They were busy in continuous conversation. When Abuzar tried to overhear them he heard that they were talking about him. After that the people got up from their place and reached near the tent of Abuzar. Abuzar said to his brother, Unais, "The tribesmen have come close to our tent. Go out and see them". Unais went out at once. He saw that some young men of the tribe had come. They had come to know that Unais and Abuzar were there. They saluted him. Unais, after saluting them in return, asked the reason for their visit. They said, "We have come simply to see you and Abuzar". Unais went in to Abuzar and said, "The youths of our tribe have come to know the conditions of journey".
Abuzar said, "Call them in. I shall talk to them. May be I make them the worshippers of Allah, the One".
Unais came out and said, "Come in as brother Abuzar is calling you”.
All of them went to Abuzar. One of them said, "O Abuzar! We have not seen you since long as a result of which we have become very sad".
Abuzar said, "My dear young men! I have great love and sympathy for you in my heart”.
One man: "Abuzar! Where have you been so long? We have not been able to see you for quite some time".
Abuzar: "I had gone to Mecca. I came back a few days ago".
Second man: "We are happy that you have been to Mecca".
Abuzar: "I had, of course, gone to Mecca, but I did not offer any sacrifice to Hubal nor did I prostrate before Laat and Uzza. My young men! Why should have I done all this when I know that these idols have neither life, nor can they harm or benefit anybody? They can neither see nor hear, nor can they ward off a calamity which may befall them.
Listen! I resort to Allah in all my actions and matters. He is certainly single without peer or partner, and I testify to Allah who alone is to be worshipped. He is the Creator of everything and Nourisher of every creature.
I ask you to join me in our plan of action and testify to the Oneness of Allah like us”.
Hearing this all the people began to tremble. One of them said in amazement, "O Abuzar! What are you saying?”
Abuzar: "Listen to what I say. Though I cannot see Allah with my eyes, yet I see Him with the internal eye; and listen! He is seen in everything of the world. Think for a while! How can anything be worthy of human worship when it is made by human hands? It is not wise to worship idols made of stone and wood, and pray to them to satisfy our needs.
My tribesmen! You know that these idols do not have any power. They can neither ward off evil, nor do they have the strength to acquire benefit".
Hearing this exhortation of Abuzar people started whispering to one another.
One of them said, "I have told you already that a man has appeared in Mecca, he calls himself a prophet and invites people to worship One Allah. Abuzar has met him and has been moved by his preaching, so much so that whatever ideas he puts forth belong to that man".
The other man said, "Conditions are very grave. We are exposed to danger by Abuzar's personality and his preaching. We feel that if he goes on preaching like these differences will crop up within our tribe and our lives will be ruined. Better it is that we go to Khafaf, the chief of our tribe, explain to him all the dangers involved, and insist upon him to give full attention to counteract them.
The youngmen of Ghifar took leave of Abuzar and went to see Khafaf. On the way they exchanged views with one another.
One of them said, "Abuzar has raised a great disturbance”.
The other said, "It will be very shameful for us to ignore this great sin of Abuzar. He openly outrages our religion and ridicules our gods".
The third one said, "It is obligatory on us to turn him out of our tribe without the least delay, because if we delay his excommunication little; he will overpower our young men, women and slaves and instil his corrupt ideas in their minds. In case it so happened, we shall suffer a great loss".
The fourth one said, "Your viewpoint is correct. But who will bell the cat? He is not a man of an ordinary stature. He is a great man of the tribe, and an elder of the family. I also see that Unais holds the same views, and he is also a man of repute".
The fifth one said, "There is no cause for alarm. Come and let us put the case before Khafaf. We are sure that Khafaf, and other nobles of the tribe will themselves expel him from the tribe".
The sixth one said, "I am pondering over their ideas. I am not sure they will be able to change them. It is possible that they may of themselves come to the right path. We should not be perturbed but should reflect on their religion. Listen to me! I am noticing reality in their faith, Anyway, we are about to reach Khafaf. After our talk with him we expect to arrive at some definite conclusion".
In short, conversing together, these people reached the chief of Ghifar tribe and said to him, "We are coming from Abuzar to you”.
Khafaf: "Has Abuzar come back from the journey to Mecca?"
A man said, "Sir, Abuzar has turned a pervert. He ridicules our gods. He says that a man has been appointed as a prophet. His duty is to invite people to the worship of One God and also to teach good things. Abuzar is not content with acknowledging his prophethood and keeping it to himself, but he is constantly preaching in the masses and is inviting all others to that prophet and his God.
When Khafaf heard it, he said, "It is a pity that Abuzar, leaving all gods, propagates the worship of a Single God. It is a great evil and very repugnant. I foresee that it will stir up a serious commotion in our tribe, which will be destroyed in consequence. O my young men! Do not make haste but give me some time to think over the case of Abuzar".
After the young men went back, Khafaf, the chief of the tribe, began to think why all of them were speaking against Abuzar. He kept on pondering over the matter the whole night in his bed. He was extremely bewildered and could not form a definite opinion. But his mind had the deep impression of the hearsay expressed by Abuzar. He passed sleepless hours and was simply closing and opening his eyes.
He also recalled an address of the Arab philosopher, Qays bin Sa'idah, in the market-place; He had said that the Creator of the universe is undoubtedly One and only He is worthy of worship. He had completely endorsed Abuzar's views in his remarkable address, and had also mentioned that the ideas of Warqa bin Naufil, Zayd bin Amr, Uthman bin Hoverath and Abdullah bin Hajash had changed, and all of them were inclined towards the faith of Abuzar.
He was in this puzzling situation when his reason guided him and he said to himself, "Indeed! Abuzar is right because Qays bin Sa'ida has supported him and I am sure that Qays will not misunderstand, nor will he accept any false belief. Undoubtedly, there must be a reformer for this world, and there must exist a Being who may run the system of the universe, and it is quite obvious that our gods of stone and wood are far from such capabilities. O God of Abuzar! Guide us and delivering us from this perversion put us on the right path”.
While Khafaf was busy making his important decision, the day dawned till the sun appeared in the sky and with the spread of sunlight the news also gained currency that Abuzar, his brother and his mother have all come back from Mecca and worship only One God.
With the spreading of this news there stirred an agitation. People started reviling Abuzar and said, "He has gone mad and has seen incapacitated to understand that these very idols of ours heal us, give us food and protect us. Abuzar is a strange man who invites us to an Invisible God. It appears to us that Abuzar wants to create disturbance and trouble among our young people and mislead our children and women. Surely he is a liar and what he claims is wrong. He should be expelled from the tribe".
One of them said, "Why! How could you express the idea of his expulsion? How can it be done? No, never! It can not happen. He is the bravest man of our tribe".
After these conversations those people decided to draw the attention of their elders to this point. Accordingly they asked their elders to deliberate on this matter. The elders of the tribe decided to take the case of Abuzar to the chief. Consequently all of them went to Khafaf. The chief of the tribe sent his slave immediately to call Abuzar to him. The slave on reaching him said, "Abuzar! you and Unais have been called on by the chief". Abuzar said that he was just coming. After the slave had left, Abuzar held his sword in the belt and said to his brother Unais, "Come on; let us go to Khafaf". Unais: "O brother! I hear bad things about you from the people. I am afraid this meeting of ours may not prove useful; something unexpected may come out, instead". Abuzar: "No, it is not so. I know Khafaf very well. He is a wise man. Allah has blessed him with wisdom. He is the most intelligent man of our tribe". The two brothers were going on talking together till they reached Khafaf. There they saw that the nobles of the tribe were sitting in a circle around him. Addressing them all Abuzar said, "Salamun Alaykum" (Peace be upon you). Hearing Abuzar's salutation in the Islamic way the nobles of the tribe got enraged and spoke in a furious manner. "What is this wishing which we have never heard before”. Then one of them said, “It is a pity. We do not know which side Abuzar goes". Another man said, "Just look at him. He is sitting with his sword, and has no respect for the chief". The third man said, "You are right. But he is a horse rider of the tribe and brave people are always armed". Abuzar spoke, “Listen! I respect you because you are the nobles of the tribe, worthy of our pride and esteem. The salute I have offered to you is the Islamic salute". After this Abuzar and Unais took their seats face to face with the chief of the tribe, Khafaf. Khafaf spoke in a kind but sharp tone, “O Abuzar! I am informed that you have been inclined to the worship of Allah Who is Invisible. The nobles of the tribe are offended with this attitude of yours. They say that Abuzar insults their gods and calls them devoid of all wisdom".
“O Abuzar! We do respect you but it does not mean that we are willing to tolerate the insult of our gods. I ask you to give up your present ideas and come back to your ancestral faith, or else explain your faith to me so that I may be able to understand the reality of your faith. Also, I assure you that I shall think to accept it if you prove that your faith is reasonably better than ours". At this Abuzar replied, “O chief of the tribe! We respect you and honour whatever you say. But, at the same time, we want to explain that Allah, the One, Whom we have decided to worship and in Whom we believe, is the same Who has created the earth and the sky, Who gives sustenance to all creatures, Who has a control over the life of every animate object and Whose power knows no bounds". The idols whom we have been worshipping up till now, have been made by our own hands and have been cut with our own chisels and hammers. Can reason believe that he who is our handmade should be our creator, our sustainer and the listener of our prayers?" "Man is the noblest of the creation. How can it be worthy of his dignity to bow his head before a stone? My chief! Please think dispassionately what I say. They have no power even to repel their enemy from themselves". Listen to me, O chief! Once I went to Manat and offered a cup of milk to him. I was still there when a fox came, drank up the cupful of milk and urinated on Manat. This incident had a great effect on me and I thought how a god could be so helpless!" "This thing made it clear to me that it cannot be god. I am sure and every reasonable man will believe that the Creator of the heavens is better than the heavens and the Maker of the earth is better than the earth. According to this rule of reason the idols cannot be better than us and when they are not superior to us it is meaningless for us to worship them". "O my chief! I have come to the truth that Allah is one Who is the Creator and Sustainer of the whole universe, and Muhammad Mustafa who had been sent in Mecca is His Messenger". "He possesses such good qualities that he has no match in the world. The Quraysh who are his bitter enemies admit his truthfulness and capability. Even knowing well that Muhammad is against their gods and religion, they have given him the title of Sadiq and Amin, as I have come to know quite lately. Listen! Light reflects from his face and wisdom flows from his words".
As soon as Abuzar finished his speech there arose a great noise all round, "How sweetly Abuzar talks! So, our gods are deaf and dumb! Abuzar has humiliated our faith and has insulted our gods". A group of them also said, "My friends! Do not talk nonsense. We sincerely say that whatever Abuzar has said appears to be right, and reason demands that we should accept the truth. We are sure that we cannot get better guidance than whatever Abuzar has brought for us". Another voice arose: "Arabia needs a reformer and there does not appear to be a better reformer than the one introduced by Abuzar”. Then another voice was raised, "Abuzar's speech is very reasonable". After this a very loud voice rose; it pierced the ear drums, "O Abuzar! I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His Messenger". Seeing this, Khafaf, the chief of the tribe, after intense thinking raised up his head and said to his people:
"My dear tribesmen! Listen attentively. You have heard whatever Abuzar said. It is our duty to think over his speech very carefully and intensively and find out how much truth it contains. Hastiness is not advisable. It does not carry sense to dismiss somebody's suggestion without examining it. My friends! You are aware how much confusion prevails among us and how excessive are the crimes in which we are involved. The rich squeeze the poor, and there is no limit to sins and evils. I have come to the conclusion that I should accept and endorse what Abuzar says. Now it is up to you to form an opinion for yourselves. Listen you all: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger” As soon as Khafaf recited the Kalimah (La ila ha illal lah Muhammadun Rasulullah) there was an outburst of noise in the tribe, "Khafaf became a Muslim. Khafaf embraced Islam". No sooner had Khafaf become a Muslim than the condition of the tribe completely changed. Most of them accepted Islam then and there, while others waited to acknowledge Islam at the hands of the Holy Prophet at the time of his arrival at Medina. In short, with the great efforts of Abuzar the majority of the tribesmen of Ghifar embraced Islam, and there arose the cries of "God is the Greatest”, and "God is praise worthy”, and the name of the Holy Prophet began to be proclaimed day and night. After infusing the spirit of Islam in the tribe of Ghifar and converting the people to Islam Abuzar turned his attention to Asfan. Reaching there he preached Islam among the people. As this place lay on the high way frequented by the Quraysh, and he had developed a feeling against them which was due to the tortures he had suffered at their hands he exercised a little strictness in making them Muslims. When a group of the Quraysh came over there, he presented Islam to them, and consequently a large number of the Quraysh embraced Islam.
Abdul Hamid Jaudatus Sahar of Egypt writes, "Islam spread in Medina like wild fire”. The tribe of Ghifar became overjoyed at it. Muslims congratulated one another that the two tribes of Aus and Khazraj, who were most eloquent, best swordsmen, and best sympathizers, turned Muslims, and also because Allah had willed to raise up His religion, and was determined to help the Holy Prophet and fulfil His promise.
Unais came to his brother Abuzar with the happy news and said, "Islam has spread in Medina and Aus and Khazraj have embraced Islam”. Abuzar said, "The Messenger of Allah will go to them and migrate to their city very shortly". Unais looked surprisingly at his brother and said, "Have you received any such information?" Abuzar: "No, neither I have any information about it, nor did I know of the people of Yathrib becoming believers". Unais: "How, then, did you know that the Messenger of Allah will migrate to Yathrib?" Abuzar: "He had told me the very day I saw him, that he will go to a town of date palms and I think that place is Yathrib. The Messenger had spoken the truth”. Unais: "Is it possible that his tribe lets him go out of that place along with Muslims, so that after making thorough preparation he may attack them?" Abuzar: "They may let him or not, but he will shortly migrate to that place. Of course, only Allah knows how and when it will happen”.
Abuzar converted his tribe to Islam after he had become a believer. Then he turned his attention to Medina. Since his return from Mecca, till the migration of the Holy Prophet, Abuzar remained busy with the preaching of Islam and continued making efforts to take the Divine religion to the masses. The Holy Prophet kept on doing his duty to preach Islam, and the Quraysh continued to perform their duty of torturing the Prophet. They gave him so much torture that no alternative was left for him except to leave his home. In short, by the command of Allah, Jibrail asked him to leave Mecca after making Ali sleep in his (Prophet's) bed. He did likewise. He made Ali sleep in his bed and then left, so that the Quraysh might not know that he was not in his bed. After staying for three days in the cave of Hira he set off for Medina. Abuzar was anxiously waiting for the migration. His tribesmen were also in waiting and used to enquire about the Holy Prophet from everybody who happened to come from his side.
Starting from Mecca and after staying for a few days in cave the Prophet left for Medina. When the tribe of Ghifar came to know that he was between Mecca and Medina they became very happy. Abuzar felt a wave of blessing coming. He joined the waiting tribe. People gathered round him and inquired of him about the Prophet of Allah, his temperament, and his face and form. He replied, "You will see him very soon. He is the best of all and excels everyone in merits". When the people waited long Abuzar kept an eye on the way, so that he might be the first to inform the people of the Prophet's arrival and give relief to the eager hearts and remove the fear that had overcome them for their waiting for him for such a long time. Time passed on. Bani Ghifar were very eager to receive the Prophet. When Abuzar cast a glance he saw a camel coming. All began to look towards Abuzar's eyes. After a short while Abuzar exclaimed, "By Allah, the Prophet has arrived. Allamah Subaiti writes, "The Holy. Prophet's face was shedding a light. In short, all followed Abuzar, in shouting with one voice, ‘The Prophet of Allah has come'. ‘The Prophet of Allah has come'. Abuzar rushed forward in haste and caught hold of the rein of his camel". People started shouting "Allaho Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) round the Prophet with enthusiasm. All women, old and young, boys and girls were shouting with great joy. 'The Prophet of Allah has come'. 'The Prophet of Allah has come'. The Holy Prophet got down from the camel and began reciting the Holy Qur'an. His voice entered the people's hearts. Then he began preaching. People came forward in groups to swear allegiance to him. Abuzar was standing proudly near the Holy Prophet overjoyed. The Ghifar tribe came forward and said, "O Prophet of Allah! Abuzar taught us whatever you had told him. We became Muslims and we testified that you are the Prophet of Allah”. After that the people of the tribe of Aslam said, "We have also embraced Islam in the same way as our brethren (Ghifar) have done". The Prophet of Allah became happy and raising his hands towards the sky prayed, "O Lord of the world! Pardon the tribe of Ghifar and keep the tribe of Aslam safe". People were very happy and were looking at the Prophet's face again and again. Abdul Hamid Jaudatus Sahar writes, "People began to look at his (Prophet's) face intently. They saw that he was a man of a shining face, smiling lips and sweet morals. He was neither lean and thin, nor fat. His features were beautiful. He possessed big and black eyes, long eye lashes, arch like black brows, black hair, a long neck and a thick beard. He was dignified when silent and awe-inspiring when he spoke. His talks were sweet. He was neither taciturn, nor was he a talkative person speaking with a loud voice. He looked most handsome from a distance, and most sweet from near. He was middle sized, neither so tall as to be unpleasant to look at, nor so short as to be considered lowly by the people. After that the Holy Prophet set off for Medina and Abuzar stayed back in his tribe".
From there the Holy Prophet left for Medina. When he reached Medina people gave him a very warm welcome. Soon after his arrival he started preaching the message of Islam. Abuzar who could not accompany the Holy Prophet to Medina stayed so long in his home that the three great Islamic wars (Ghazawat) -Badr in 2nd Hijra, Uhud in 3rd Hijra and Ahzab in 5th Hijra had been fought to a finish. After the Battle of Ahzab, a verse of the Holy Qur'an forced Abuzar to leave for Medina. One day he was busy in his post-prayer recitals after offering his evening prayers in the masjid of his home town, when he heard a man reciting the verse, "O believers! Should I show you a bargain which can save you from a painful punishment". (Surah al-Saf, 61:10)
After a reflection on the meaning of this verse he became anxious for Jihad and said to Unais, "I will leave for Yathrib tomorrow". Unais: All right! Go. May Allah take you there safely! But tell me, when will you come back? Abuzar: I will not come back. I will spend the rest of my life in the service of the Holy Prophet. Unais: O Brother! You have become a true believer and the faith has penetrated in your heart and soul. Your tribe and your people here need you very much. There will be a great loss if you go away from here. I think you should give up the idea of leaving for Medina and spend the rest of your life here. Abuzar: The Holy Prophet is better than these people. Whatever has been lapsed is quite enough. The Holy Prophet fought in Badr and I could not join him. He fought in Uhud and I could not join him. He fought in Ahzab and I could not join him. How long should I serve my tribe and be deprived of the blessing of martyrdom. Whatever has happened up till now is enough. Now, I will not for a moment give up the idea of leaving for Yathrib. Unais: My proposal is that you should stay in your home as usual. The Holy Prophet will himself call you whenever he needs you. Just see! There were many people who were in their home towns and left for Medina at the call of the Holy Prophet. Abuzar: The period of waiting has passed. If the Prophet has not called me, I have also an obligation. I will not be waiting now but will go uninvited. Unais: All right! But do not make haste. Take some necessary provisions for the journey. Abuzar: I need no provisions. Some dried bits of bread are enough for me. Abuzar left his hearth and home for Medina. Reaching there he got the honour of meeting the Prophet and stayed in his company.
He used to live in the Prophet's masjid the whole night, and met people throughout the day. He used to take food with the Prophet and adorn his material life with piety and virtuousness. He fully concentrated on learning the hadith (tradition of the Holy Prophet) by heart. After his arrival in Medina, Abuzar fell ill on account of the change of climate. The Prophet got the news of his ailment. He came to see Abuzar and said to him, "Abuzar! You should stay for some days at the place outside Medina where the camels, sheep and goats of the public property graze, and take note that you should not eat anything as food except their milk during your stay there”. As soon as he received the command of the Prophet Abuzar left for the appointed place with his wife. The illness was severe for some days but gradually he regained his health after which he performed the sexual obligation with his wife. Now there was the difficulty of getting water for the obligatory bath as a pre-requisite for offering prayers. Till then he did not know the method of "Tayammum" (prescribed rubbing of hands and forehead with clay). So he was in a fix for some time as to what he should do. At last his reason guided him and he went to the Prophet on the back of a very fast camel. As soon as the Prophet caught sight of Abuzar he smiled and spoke before Abuzar opened his lips, "Abuzar! Do not worry. Water is arranged for you here and now. So a slave girl brought water and he took the bath. After that he came to the Holy Prophet and he taught him the method of Tayammum ". (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal).
Abuzar was passing his life-time when the Battle of Tabuk came by in the 9th year of Hijra. Historians say that the Prophet came to know that the Christians of Syria had made a firm resolve to attack Medina with forty thousand troops from Hercules, the Roman King: Hence the Prophet, as a precautionary measure, intended to leave for Syria with thirty to forty thousand troops. He appointed Ali as his viceroy at Medina. After arraying his army he left Medina. After his departure the hypocrites started taunting Ali that the Messenger of Allah had left him behind to lighten his own burden. In order to prove the hypocrites liars he decided to go to the Prophet. Accordingly he left Medina and joined the Prophet at Jaraf and informed him of the hypocrites' taunting. The Prophet said, "The hypocrites are liars. I have come here after having made you my deputy. O Ali! Are you not happy with your rank made higher? You have with me the same relation as Harun had with Musa with the only difference that there will be no prophet after me. (Sahih Bukhari) By this he meant that when Musa went to the Mount Tur he appointed Harun as his deputy and he (the Holy Prophet) had also conducted himself in the same way". (Fatahul Bari vol. 3, page 387)
Having heard this Ali returned to Medina, and the Prophet made for Tabuk which was situated on the border of the then Roman Empire at a distance of ten stages from Medina and Damascus both. Having arrived at Tabuk he stayed there for twenty days. During his stay there he sent sariyas (army of Islam under the command of somebody other than the Prophet) all round, and laid emphasis on invitation to Islam. No army came to fight from Rome. Hence he had to return from there. During his return one night when he was passing through the valley of Aqaba zi Fatq the hypocrites wanted to kill him in the same valley by frightening his camel, which might throw him down, but Huzayfah bin Yaman and Ammar binYasir saved him. After the Holy Prophet had crossed the valley, told Huzayfah b. Yaman the names of those hypocrites who wanted to kill him in the darkness of night, and commanded him to keep the names secret. Notable companions were included in this list. (Madarijun Nubuwwah page 302).
According to Tahzibut Tahzib those people tried to get their names from Huzayfah but he did not disclose. At last, a companion himself admitted, "Whether you tell me or not, by Allah I was one of those hypocrites", In short, the Prophet returned to Medina during the month of Ramazan. At the time of his departure from Medina for the Battle of Tabuk Abuzar was also with him. But his camel being very weak and thin could not keep pace with the caravan .He, however, remained behind the caravan at a distance of three days journey. He tried his best to be with him but could not succeed. He became extremely distressed when he saw that it was impossible for him to catch up with the caravan. According to another version when he was left behind, some people said to the Prophet that it was very difficult for Abuzar to keep up with him. Upon this he said, "Leave him to himself. He will come up if Allah wills". So the caravan proceeded further and Abuzar was left behind in perplexity and anxiety. Sometimes he thought to go back to Medina and at sometime he intended to reach Tabuk at any cost because lagging behind the Prophet was tormenting him badly. He drove his camel in a fit of excitement but he could not move quickly on account of his weakness. Seeing this he got down from the camel and taking all his luggage from its back loaded it upon his own back and started on foot. It was a very hot season. Hence it is not unknown to the travellers what the intensity of his thirst would have been.
He was going with the luggage on his back when thirst almost over-powered him. He was already fatigued and now the thirst made his condition all the worse. Abuzar being in intense thirst moved about in search of water till he saw some rain water collected in a pit. He reached the pit while he was extremely thirsty, and wanted to drink a handful of water from it, when, all of a sudden, he thought that the water was very cold and it was unfair on his part to drink it before the Holy Prophet did it. So, as this idea occurred to him he threw away the water from the hand and filled container with it. Abuzar was going alone in his extreme thirst with the water-skin till he reached the borders of Tabuk. As soon as he reached the borders of Tabuk the Muslims saw him and informed the Prophet of the arrival of a distressed traveller. At once, he said, "He is my companion, Abuzar. Run on, O my companions, and bring him to me. Hearing this, the companions rushed to Abuzar and returned with him to the Prophet. The Prophet after enquiring about his health said, "O Abuzar, you have water with you. Why, then, are you so thirsty?" Abuzar: My master! Water is, of course, there, but I cannot drink it. The Prophet: What is the reason for that? Abuzar: My Lord! On my way here I found cold water at the foot of a hill, but my conscience did not allow me to use it in advance of you. Hence I have brought that water with me for you. I shall taste it after you drink it. Hearing this, the Prophet said, "O Abuzar! Allah will have His mercy on you. You will live alone and will go away from this world alone. You will rise alone on the Day of Judgment. You will enter Heaven alone and a group of Iraqis will get bliss on your account, that is, they will give you a bath, shroud you, and offer prayers for you".
This incident not only shows Abuzar's unparalleled love for the Holy Prophet, but through it the Holy Prophet clearly foretold the troubles and calamities which were to befall Abuzar. It becomes clear from the statement of the renowned Shi'ah scholar, Allamah Majlisi that the Prophet had thrown light on different occasions, on the coming events which Abuzar had to face. He quotes an incident on authority of Ibn Babwayh from Abdullah bin Abbas that one day the Holy Prophet was sitting in Masjid of Quba and many of his companions were around him. He said, "The man who is first to enter the gate this masjid, will be from the people of the Heaven". At a while Abuzar entered the gate. He was the first who came from outside all alone. The Holy Prophet, there up said, "O Abuzar! You are from the people of the Heaven. He continued to say, "You will be banished from me, on account of your love for the people of my House. You will live in foreign land and will die in loneliness. A group of the people of Iraq will be blessed for giving you funeral bath and shrouding your dead body, and will be with me in the Heaven".
History bears witness that Abuzar was so much enlightened after embracing Islam that he became without a parallel. He achieved such perfection in purity of faith and sincerity of heart that he proved to be a beacon light for the people of insight. He enriched the people's mind with his counsels, after the appearance of Islam, taught them the lesson of equality and love, and showed them the way of obedience to Allah and the Holy Prophet. His Islamic life had been so dignified that it had no parallel. Abdullah Subaiti