Abu Dharr al-Ghifari: Difference between revisions

Abu Dharr was born twenty years before the advent of Islam into a family from the Ghifār tribe, which is considered one of the original Arab tribes Al- Amin, Al-Seyyed  Mohsen.(2000).Ayan al-Shi'a,Beirut:Dar altaarof<ref>Al- Amin, Al-Seyyed  Mohsen.(2000).Ayan al-Shi'a,Beirut:Dar altaarof</ref>.  

His father was Junadah from the Ghifār tribe and his mother was Ramlah bint al-Waqī’ah from the tribe of Bani Ghifār ibn Mlil Al-Qurtubi.Yusof ibn Abd al-Barr  (1992) .Al-Isti'ab fi Ma’rifat al-Ashab, Beirut: Dar-aljil<ref>Al-Qurtubi.Yusof ibn Abd al-Barr  (1992) .Al-Isti'ab fi Ma’rifat al-Ashab, Beirut: Dar-aljil</ref>.

Historians say that there is a difference of opinion regarding the name of Abu Dharr’s father, and they have also mentioned Yazid, Jundab, Asharqah, Abdullah, and Sakan Mohammad ibn Haban(1995) Mashahir Ulama al-Amsar, Beirut: Dar-alkotob alelmyyah. Mohammad ibn Haban.(1996) Al-Theqat, Beirut :Cultural books institute. Ibn Hajar,  Alasaqlani( 1986).Taqrib  al-Tahdhib, Syria: Dar-Alrashid<ref>Mohammad ibn Haban(1995) Mashahir Ulama al-Amsar, Beirut: Dar-alkotob alelmyyah. Mohammad ibn Haban.(1996) Al-Theqat, Beirut :Cultural books institute. Ibn Hajar,  Alasaqlani( 1986).Taqrib  al-Tahdhib, Syria: Dar-Alrashid</ref>.

Ibn Hajar Asqalani writes: Abu Dharr was a tall, swarthy, and thin manIbn Hajar,Alasaqlani .(1995)Al-Esabah,Beirut: Dar-alkotob Alelmyyah<ref>Ibn Hajar,Alasaqlani .(1995)Al-Esabah,Beirut: Dar-alkotob Alelmyyah</ref>.

Ibn Sa’d describes him as a tall man with white hair and beardMohamad ibn Sa’d .(1990).Tabaqat al-Kubra,Beirut: Dar-alkotob alelmyyah<ref>Mohamad ibn Sa’d .(1990).Tabaqat al-Kubra,Beirut: Dar-alkotob alelmyyah</ref> .

Dhahabi says: Abu Dharr was a large, strong-built man with a thick beard Al-Istya'b<ref>Al-Istya'b.</ref>.

He was given the nickname Abu Dharr because of the name of his son, Dharr; and he is most commonly known by this nickname, but his real name is disputed, and various names have been mentioned in historical books, such as Badr ibn Jundab, Burair ibn Abdullah, Burair ibn Junadah, Burair ibn Asharqah, Jundab ibn Abdullah, Jundab ibn Sakan, and Yazid ibn Janadah Osodolghabah, Tahdhib al-Kamal. Siyar al-A'lam al-Nubla'.A'yan al-Shi'a<ref>Osodolghabah, Tahdhib al-Kamal. Siyar al-A'lam al-Nubla'.A'yan al-Shi'a</ref> .  

However, what seems to be the most famous and correct is Jundab ibn YazidAl-Istya'b<ref>Al-Istya'b</ref> .

According to the sources, he had a son named Dharr, and al-Kulaini narrates a narration about Dharr's deathKulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya'qoob .Al- Kafi<ref>Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya'qoob .Al- Kafi .[9] Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya'qoob .Al- Kafi</ref>.

His wife is also called Umm Dharr Ibn Abi al-Hadid.(1965) Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi<ref>Ibn Abi al-Hadid.(1965) Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi</ref>.

Abu Dharr worshipped God during the pre-Islamic period and had said: There is no god but God alone, and he did not worship idolsIbn Saad, Muhammad ibn Saad. Tabaqat al-Kubra.(1995). translated by Dr. Mahmoud Mahdavi Damghani, Tehran:Culture and Thought Publications<ref>Ibn Saad, Muhammad ibn Saad. Tabaqat al-Kubra.(1995). translated by Dr. Mahmoud Mahdavi Damghani, Tehran:Culture and Thought Publications</ref>.

Among his statements is this: I used to pray for three years before I went to meet the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of God be upon him and his family), and I used to worship in whatever direction God willed during prayer Ibn Saad, Muhammad ibn Saad. Tabaqat al-Kubra.(1995). translated by Dr. Mahmoud Mahdavi Damghani, Tehran:Culture and Thought Publications<ref>Ibn Saad, Muhammad ibn Saad. Tabaqat al-Kubra.(1995). translated by Dr. Mahmoud Mahdavi Damghani, Tehran:Culture and Thought Publications</ref>.

He said: I pray. Anis asked again: For God!...Prayer is not valid in front of the gods and other idols. I found a sign in nature that led me to a God other than your God. A God who is great, powerful and unique Jowdah  al-Sahar, Abdul Hamid. Abu Dharr Ghefari, the Socialist Theist, translated by Dr. Ali Shariati, Mashhad: Tous Printing House.<ref>Jowdah  al-Sahar, Abdul Hamid. Abu Dharr Ghefari, the Socialist Theist, translated by Dr. Ali Shariati, Mashhad: Tous Printing House.</ref>

Not much is known about Abu Dharr's life before Islam. According to a narration, he was a shepherd during the pre-Islamic period Al-Kafi<ref>Al-Kafi</ref>.and bravely stood alone against a caravanTabaqat al-Kubra<ref>Tabaqat al-Kubra</ref>.

Three years before accepting Islam, he worshipped the One God, prayed, and avoided idolsMoslem ibn Hajjaj.(1991).Sahih Muslim,Cairo:Dar-alhadith; Al-Kafi<ref>Moslem ibn Hajjaj.(1991).Sahih Muslim,Cairo:Dar-alhadith; Al-Kafi</ref>.   

According to some reports, verse 17 of Surah Az-Zumar was revealed in praise of him and two others who had avoided idolatry during the pre-Islamic periodTafsir of Ibn Abi Hatam; Al-Dorr  al-Manthoor<ref>Tafsir of Ibn Abi Hatam; Al-Dorr  al-Manthoor</ref>.  

He was the fifth person to embrace IslamTabaqat al-Kubra; Osdolghabah<ref>Tabaqat al-Kubra; Osdolghabah</ref>.  

Some have considered him the fourth MuslimTarikh Yaqoobi; Al-Estya’b<ref>Tarikh Yaqoobi; Al-Estya’b</ref>.

On this basis, he is considered one of the early converts to IslamShavahed  Al-Tanzil<ref>Shavahed  Al-Tanzil</ref>.  

The story of his conversion to Islam has been narrated in various waysShavahed  Al-Tanzil<ref>Shavahed  Al-Tanzil</ref>.and even after a miraculous eventAl-Mustadrak; Majma al-Zawaed<ref>Al-Mustadrak; Majma al-Zawaed</ref>.  

And after enduring hardship and encountering the enemies of Islam, he met the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) and embraced IslamTabaqat al-Kubra; Sahih Muslim<ref>Tabaqat al-Kubra; Sahih Muslim</ref>.  

He pledged  allegiance to the Prophet that he would not fear the blame of any critic in the way of Allah and that he would speak the truth, even if it was bitterHistory of Damascus; Osdolghabah<ref>History of Damascus; Osdolghabah</ref> .

Abu Dharr and the Promoting of Islam in the Tribe

The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) commissioned Abu Dharr to preach the religion in his tribe until the migration to Medina; but before returning, he chanted the slogan of monotheism among the oppressed polytheists and was severely beaten by themTabaqat al-Kubra; Al-Estya’b.<ref>Tabaqat al-Kubra; Al-Estya’b</ref>  

 

According to some reports, during this period, and probably in line with the Prophet's policy of creating insecurity for the Qoraysh trade caravans, Abu Dharr threatened the Qoraysh trade caravans in a place called "Thaniyyah Ghazal" and returned their property only after they had recited the Shahadah.(Testimony to the Oneness of God and testimony to the Mission of the Prophet of Islam) Tabaqat al-Kubra; Ansab al-Ashraf<ref>Tabaqat al-Kubra; Ansab al-Ashraf</ref>.Abu Dharr advises people  to follow Hazrat Ali( peace be upon him).Since Abu Dharr always considered Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (a.s.) to be the first Muslim and preferred him over others in every respectTahdhib al-Tahdhib; Mustadrak al-Hakim; Ma'rifah al-Sahaba<ref>Tahdhib al-Tahdhib; Mustadrak al-Hakim; Ma'rifah al-Sahaba</ref>, and Ibn Abi al-Hadid in his commentary on Nahj al-Balagha, mentions Abu Dharr as the fourth Muslim and writes: All the hadith scholars have said that Abu Bakr became Muslim after a group of men. He names seven people in order of faith:

O Ali, you were the first to believe in me, and you will be the first to shake hands with me on the Day of Judgment. You are the greatest truth-teller and the greatest divisor, who distinguishes between right and wrong. You are the leader of the believers and the worldly wealth of the disbelievers. You are my brother and my minister. You are the best of my survivors, who fulfill my religion and fulfill my promises Ibn Abi al-Hadid.(1965) Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi<ref>Ibn Abi al-Hadid.(1965) Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi</ref>.

The Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his family) had predicted this event in the Battle of Tabuk twenty-three years before it happened, , and now the time had come for it to come true. Abu Dharr, this man of God, who had been exiled to Rabazeh for speaking the truth and calling for justice and fairness, gradually lost his physical strength and fell into a bed of illness. He was spending the last minutes of his life full of ups and downs. His wife looked at his radiant face,thin and weak body and wept bitterly, wiping the drops of sweat from her husband's forehead. Abu Dharr asked, "Why are you crying?" The woman replied: I am crying because you are dying now and I do not have a garment to shroud your body in! A sad smile appeared on Abu Dharr's lips and he said: Be calm! Don't cry, I was sitting with a group of the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) one day, when the Prophet turned to us and said: One of you will die in a desert, alone and far from the crowd. And a group of believers will bury him. All those who were in that session  have passed away, and now there is none of them left except me, and now I am sure that I am the one the Prophet foretold! After my death, sit on the path of the pilgrims to Iraq, it will not be long before a group of believers will come, Inform them of my death. His wife said: Now the time has passed for the caravan to pass. Abu Dharr said: Be careful on the road. By God, I swear I am not lying nor have I heard a lie. He said this and his soul spread towards ParadiseIbn Athir, Osodolghabah<ref>Ibn Athir, Osodolghabah</ref>.

Abu Dharr was right when he said that a caravan of Muslims was coming quickly, among which were great personalities such as Abdullah bin Masoud, Hojr bin Adi, and Malik Ashtar. Abdullah saw a strange sight from a  far, the sight of a lifeless body on the side of the road, and near it a woman and a boy, both crying. Abdullah turned the bridle of the horse towards the two people, and the caravan followed him. As Abdullah looked at the body, his eyes fell on the face of his friend and brother in Islam, Abu Dharr! His eyes filled with tears, he stood over Abu Dharr's pure body and, recalling the prophecy of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family) in the Battle of Tabuk, said: The Prophet of Islam was right in saying that you will go alone, die alone, and be resurrected from the grave aloneIbn Sa'd, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra<ref>Ibn Sa'd, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra</ref>.

Then Abdullah bin Masoud prayed over his body and then buried him. When they finished burying him, Malik al-Ashtar stood by his grave and said: "O Lord! This is Abu Dharr, the companion of the Prophet, who worshipped You for a lifetime and fought against the polytheists in Your way and never changed his way or path in following the religion of truth." However, when he devoted his heart and soul to fighting corruption and evil, he was subjected to persecution, oppression, deprivation, and humiliation, and was exiled, and finally died alone in a foreign landMadani.Seyyed Ali Khan.(1983). Al-Darajat al-Rafi'ah,Beirut:Vafa Institute<ref>Madani.Seyyed Ali Khan.(1983). Al-Darajat al-Rafi'ah,Beirut:Vafa Institute</ref>.

Some have mentioned his brotherhood with Ibn Masoud, some with Bilal, some with Salman, and some with Abu Darda. However, some, citing a hadith from Ali ibn al-Huseyn and citing two reasons, establish his brotherhood with Salman al-Farsi Ghozashteh, Nasser (June 10, 2020). Abu Dharr Ghefari. Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, Retrieved April 28, 2025, from <nowiki>https://www.cgie.org.ir/fa/article/22649</nowiki><ref>Ghozashteh, Nasser (June 10, 2020). Abu Dharr Ghefari. Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, Retrieved April 28, 2025, from <nowiki>https://www.cgie.org.ir/fa/article/22649</nowiki></ref>.

One of the contemporaries, citing a hadith from Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and citing two other reasons, considers his brotherhood with Salman to be correct and believes that Abu Dharr was in Medina from the very beginning of the migrationMurtaza Ameli, Ja'far.(2005). Sahih men Sirat al-Nabi,Qom: Dar-alhadith<ref>Murtaza Ameli, Ja'far.(2005). Sahih men Sirat al-Nabi,Qom: Dar-alhadith</ref>.  

With the death of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Abu Dharr insisted on the Imamate of Ali (a.s.) and, according to Imam Ja’far al-Sadeq (a.s.), he was one of the three who remained steadfast in the command of the Messenger of GodKulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya'qoob, Al-Kafi<ref>Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya'qoob, Al-Kafi</ref>.

And until the end of his life, he advised others to do the same Tabarsi, Ahmad ibn Ali, Al-Ehtejaj<ref>Tabarsi, Ahmad ibn Ali, Al-Ehtejaj</ref>;for this reason, he denied the caliphate of Abu BakrYa'qoobi, Ahmad ibn Abi Ya'qoob, Tarikh al-Ya'qoobi <ref>Ya'qoobi, Ahmad ibn Abi Ya'qoob, Tarikh al-Ya'qoobi</ref>.  

and, along with some other great companions, he called on Ali (peace be upon him) to stand up for his rights, and in his encounter with Umar, he delivered a sermon on Ali's rightfulness Sheikh Sadooq, Muhammad ibn Ali. Al-Khessal<ref>Sheikh Sadooq, Muhammad ibn Ali. Al-Khessal</ref>.

He himself, proud of this steadfastness, says in a group: I will be closer to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) than all of you on the Day of Judgment, because I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) say: The closest of you to me on the Day of Judgment is the one who leaves this world in the same way I left him. By Allah! Apart from me, there is none of you who has not acquired something of this worldIbn Sa'd, Muhammad ibn Sa'd, Al-Tabaqat<ref>Ibn Sa'd, Muhammad ibn Sa'd, Al-Tabaqat</ref>.

This relationship with the family of the Prophet and Ali placed him in the limited and secluded group of mourners of Hazrat Fatima (peace be upon her), where even many of the Prophet's wives were not present Yaqoobi, Ahmad ibn Abi Yaqoobi. History of Yaqoobi<ref>Yaqoobi, Ahmad ibn Abi Yaqoobi. History of Yaqoobi</ref>.

It is said that when Abu Dharr was in the Levant region at that time, which included all or part of present-day Lebanon, she propagated Shiism there while fighting against Muawiyah's amassing wealth, and that the Shiites of Lebanon became Shiites due to Abu Dharr's activitiesMotahari,Morteza.(1971).The reciprocal  Services  between Islam and Iran.Tehran:Sadra Publications<ref>Motahari,Morteza.(1971).The reciprocal  Services  between Islam and Iran.Tehran:Sadra Publications</ref>.

Uthman, who was very angry with Abu Dharr's repeated protests, issued a decree to exile him to "Rabazeh", who was then a ninety years old,Majlisi, Muhammad Baqer.(1982). Behar al-Anwar, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi<ref>Majlisi, Muhammad Baqer.(1982). Behar al-Anwar, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi</ref>and ordered that no one should chase him away, and no one dared to do so, but when this news reached Ali (a.s.), together with his brother Aqeel, his sons Hassan and Hussein (peace be upon them), and the great companion of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), Ammar Yaser, they escorted Abu Dharr to the gates of Medina, and with this action, they questioned the order of his exile and approved of Abu Dharr's actionsIbn Abi al-Hadid.(1965) Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi<ref>Ibn Abi al-Hadid.(1965) Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Darolhayat  al-Turas al-Arabi</ref>.

And after living for a while in the waterless and grassless desert of Rabazeh, he built a mosque there. After this incident, Muawiyah also expelled Abu Dharr's family from the city and they all went to himTabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. History of Tabari<ref>Tabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. History of Tabari</ref>.

Even in Rabazeh, a terrible place of exile and a scorching desert, Abu Dharr remained steadfast in his beliefs and ideals and constantly proclaimed the legitimacy of the Imamate of Ali (a.s.) and true IslamAl-Alfaqih, Sheikh Muhammad Jawad.Abu Dharr Ghefari (The Awakened Conscience of Mankind), translated by Houshang  Ojaqi,Tehran: Afaq Publishing House<ref>Al-Alfaqih, Sheikh Muhammad Jawad.Abu Dharr Ghefari (The Awakened Conscience of Mankind), translated by Houshang  Ojaqi,Tehran: Afaq Publishing House</ref>.

And he has nothing more to do. Abu Dharr hit him on the head with his stick and said: O son of a Jew! What is wrong with you and you are saying such things...Tabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. History of Tabari<ref>Tabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. History of Tabari</ref>!

His words are clear or almost clear that he did not consider all spending obligatory. It is not true that some have said: Abu Dharr acted on his own ijtihad and said that the excess wealth over the necessary amount should be spent in the way of God. Abu Dharr used to say: What I am saying, I have heard from the Messenger of GodTabatabai, Muhammad Hussein. Al-Mizan<ref>Tabatabai, Muhammad Hussein. Al-Mizan</ref>.

His objection to Uthman and his insistence on the truth of piety and piety led to his exile to Rabazeh, a place he did not like at allMasoodi, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn al-Hussein. Muruj al-Dhahab<ref>Masoodi, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn al-Hussein. Muruj al-Dhahab</ref>.  

This incident has sparked much debate in Islamic history and theology. Some have tried to attribute Abu Dharr's departure to his own will,Ibn Athir, Ezz al-Din Ali. Al-Kamel<ref>Ibn Athir, Ezz al-Din Ali. Al-Kamel</ref>,arguing that he loved solitude and only went to Medina to avoid becoming an Arabi, which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had condemnedTabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. History of Tabari<ref>Tabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. History of Tabari</ref>.

Alusi, mentioning the fact that Abu Dharr, in his confrontation with Muawiyah, apparently held on to the verse and imagined that all excess wealth should be spent on the needy, writes: This statement was widely objected to, and the verse of inheritance was used as an argument against Abu Dharr, and he was forced to retire and, in consultation with Uthman, was guided to Rabazeh, where he remained until the end of his lifeAloosi, Mahmud ibn Abdullah. Ruh al-Maani<ref>Aloosi, Mahmud ibn Abdullah. Ruh al-Maani</ref>.

Regarding his asceticism and piety, it is sufficient that the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Whoever wants to see the asceticism of Jesus, son of Mary, should look at the asceticism of Abu Dharr .”Ibn Sa'd. Tabaqat al-Kubari<ref>Ibn Sa'd. Tabaqat al-Kubari</ref>.  

Abu Dharr himself narrates from the Prophet of God (peace be upon her and her family) that the Prophet said: The closest of you to me on the Day of Resurrection is the one who, after me, is not contaminated by worldly wealth, and who dies in the same condition as he was in my timeIsfahani,Abu Naeem.(2007).Helyatol  Olya,Beirut:Dar Alkotob Alelmyyah<ref>Isfahani,Abu Naeem.(2007).Helyatol  Olya,Beirut:Dar Alkotob Alelmyyah</ref>.  

Abu Dharr finally died in Rabazeh,in one of the stops of Hajj caravans throughout history Al-Akhbar al-Towwal; Majam al-Boldan; Al-Muntazem[<ref>Al-Akhbar al-Towwal; Majam al-Boldan; Al-Muntazem</ref> ,in solitude and hardship, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) had foretold Muhammad ibn Umar ibn Waqedi. (1989).Al-Maghāzī.Beirut :Al-A'lami Publications<ref>Muhammad ibn Umar ibn Waqedi. (1989).Al-Maghāzī.Beirut :Al-A'lami Publications</ref>,alongside his wife or only daughter in 32 AHTabari's History<ref>Tabari's History</ref>,and funeral service fulfilled by a caravan coming from Iraq, accompanied by Ibn Masooud and a few of its companionsTabari's History<ref>Tabari's History</ref>.Malik al-Ashtar led a prayer for himKashi, Muhammad bin Omar bin Abdulaziz. (1969). Rijal-e-Kashi, Mashhad: University of Mashhad, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Research and Studies Center <ref>Kashi, Muhammad bin Omar bin Abdulaziz. (1969). Rijal-e-Kashi, Mashhad: University of Mashhad, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Research and Studies Center </ref>.and he was buried thereAl-Mu’jam Al-Kabir; Tafsir Al-Qummi; Al-Mu’jam Al-Boldan<ref>Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir; Tafsir Al-Qummi; Al-Mu’jam Al-Boldan</ref>.There is no trace of his grave nowMajma’ Al-Bahreyn, “Rabadheh”; A’yan Al-Shi’a<ref>Majma’ Al-Bahreyn, “Rabadheh”; A’yan Al-Shi’a</ref>.There used to be a mosque called Abu Dharr, and his grave is said to have been located thereAdawī, Saeed ibn Ibn  Urubah.(2000) .Al-Manasek.Beirut: Dar al-Basha’ir al-Islamiyah<ref>Adawī, Saeed ibn Ibn  Urubah.(2000) .Al-Manasek.Beirut: Dar al-Basha’ir al-Islamiyah</ref>.  

Visiting him in Rabazeh is considered a recommended actBihar Al-Anwar; Jawaher Al-Kalam<ref>Bihar Al-Anwar; Jawaher Al-Kalam</ref>.He has no descendants leftIbn  Hazm, Abu Mohammad  Ali ben Ahmad  Ondolosi.Jamharah Ansab Al-Arab<ref>Ibn  Hazm, Abu Mohammad  Ali ben Ahmad  Ondolosi.Jamharah Ansab Al-Arab</ref>.