Assalamualaikum, it’s me again! I hope you’re having a wonderful Friday. A few weeks ago, when I was drafting today’s blog, I got the idea to try something new. A mini series of sorts.
I’ll be using this medium to shed more light on the Companions of the Messenger, because there are a lot of stories we don’t know. Interesting stories that I am sure we will learn a lot from. There are a lot of people from the Prophet’s life, both male and female, that we do not know about.
And today, I have picked one of my favourite companions to write about, his story is not only inspiring, but I find it very interesting. And I hope you do too.
Abu Dhar Al Giffary was from, specifically, the tribe of Ghifaar, which was a tribe with a notorious reputation for highway robbery. Its people were famous for theft and were known as allies of darkness and night. Woe to him who fell into their hinds on a dark night!
Was it possible that one of them would embrace Islam while it was still a new, secret religion?
His real name was Jundub ibn Junādah. He was known for his strong character, fearlessness, and dedication to the teachings of Islam. Abu Dhar’s story is filled with inspiring examples of his commitment to truth, justice, and selflessness.
He entered Makkah, in disguise as a passer-by who had lost his way, but he had come to search for the Prophet PBUH, if the inhabitants of Makkah knew this, they would have cut him into pieces.
He met the Prophet sitting alone, and he asked him to sing what he was reciting. The Prophet told him that it is not a song, neither is it a poem to be sung, but rather, he was reciting the Holy Quran. And Abu Dhar asked to listen to it. Soon after, he took the Shahadah.
Abu Dhar had a bad temper, and when he understood that Islam was still a secret during the time of his conversion, he went to the Kaabah, then the den of the Quraysh, and he announced out loud that there is no deity worthy of worship, except Allah. That was the first public announcement of Islam, and he did it fearlessly. He continued to be fearless, and courageous throughout his life, he was also strongly against materialism. He believed that caring for wealth was futile.
Once, one of his companions saw him wearing an old gown and asked him, “Don’t you have another one? I saw you a couple of days ago with two other gowns in your hands.”
Abu Dhar replied, “O cousin! I gave them to someone who needed them more than I do.”
He said to him, ” By Allah, you need them!”
Abu Dhar then answered, “May Allah forgive us. You glorify this life! Can’t you see that I am wearing a gown? And I own another one for the congregational Friday prayer. Moreover, I own a goat which I milk and a donkey which I ride. Is there a better blessing?”
He once sat down talking to people and said, “My friend advised me to do seven things:
*He asked me to love the poor and to get closer to them.
*He asked me to look to those who are inferior and not to those who are superior
. *He asked me never to ask anyone for anything (i.e. to abstain from begging).
* He asked me to be kind to my relatives.
* He asked me to say the truth, no matter how sour it may be.
* He asked me never to be afraid of a critic’s censure.
*And he asked me to frequently say, “There is no power nor might except Allah’s.”
He lived according to this advice until he became a living conscience moving among his people.
When death came to Abu Dhar, his wife was by his side, in a desert. Abdullah bn Masud approached, and he realized that it was his companion. His tears rolled out of his eyes, and he said, “The Messenger of Allah was truthful. You will walk alone, die alone, and resurrect alone.”
His truthful nature and fearlessness are admirable qualities. It’s amazing how he never hesitated to speak the truth, no matter the consequences. Even when it landed him in trouble, he remained steadfast in his commitment to honesty.
What I find truly inspiring is Abu Dhar’s courage in publicly proclaiming Islam, even without anyone to protect him. He fearlessly challenged the Quraysh and continued to do so despite the risks. That takes real bravery!
Abu Dhar’s story also teaches us that it doesn’t matter where you come from, but rather where you’re headed. Despite being from a tribe known for their highway robberies, he became one of the first to embrace Islam. It’s a true testament to the power of personal transformation and the ability to rise above one’s background.
I love that Abu Dhar had his own inspiring anthem, “Announce to those who hoard up gold and silver the warning of branding irons.” Which means that people who are blinded by acquiring wealth should be reminded of the punishment of hellfire.
It’s incredible how he spread this message throughout Syria. Abu Dhar’s journey ultimately led him to pass away alone in the desert of Ar-Rabadha. As the Prophet Pbuh said, Abu Dhar walked alone, died alone, and will rise again alone.
Thank you for reading about this outstanding person, and I hope you’ve learned a thing or two from his story. Abu Dhar was truly a remarkable man.
See you next time, with more exciting articles. Have a blessed Jumuah.
Paysabil.
