Abu Dharr, the Great Companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

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
Ref: Imam Reza Network

ISLAM IS COMPLETED BY THE APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR

From the viewpoint of Shi'ah scholars khilafat (caliphate) is a Divine office which is entrusted to the most distinguished, the most appropriate and the wisest person of the ummah (nation). The most clear line of demarcation between a Prophet and an Imam (Prophet's successor) is that the Prophet lays the foundation of a religion, receives revelation and possesses a Book. However, as regards the Imam, though he does not possess any of these positions, yet, besides possessing the position of a ruler he is one, who explains and conveys that part of the Divine religion which could not be publicly narrated by the Prophet on account of lack of opportunity or because of the circumstances being unfavourable and, therefore, left it to his successors to tell them.

Hence from the Shi'ah point of view the caliph is not only a ruler of the time, a leader of Islam, the executive authority, the protector of the rights and the defender of the forts and frontiers of the country, but he is also one, who explains the knotty problems of the religion and completes that portion of the orders and laws which could not, for some reasons, be narrated by the founder of the religion.

According to the scholars of Ahl Sunnat, however, caliphate is a customary and secular office and the object of its creation is only to protect the worldly affairs and the material interests of the Muslims. According to them the caliph is selected, by making a reference to the public opinion, for the administration of political, judicial and economic matters. As regards disposal of religious matters including interpretation of laws, which were enacted during the time of the Prophet but could not be promulgated on account of various reasons, it is the concern of the scholars of Islam and it is for them to solve such difficult and knotty problems by means of Ijtihad.

On account of this difference in the views of the Muslims about the reality of caliphate two different wings appeared in them divided them into two groups This difference continues even at present.

According to the first view an Imam shares some attributes with the Prophet and is at par with him in that regard and the conditions, the fulfillment of which is considered necessary for the Prophet, are also necessary for the Imam. Here are the conditions which must be fulfilled by the Prophet as well as by the Imam:

1. The Prophet must be infallible viz. he should not commit any sin throughout his life and should not make any mistake while narrating the orders and realities of the religion or replying to the religious queries of the people. The Imam should also be like-wise and the argument in both the cases is the same.

2. The Prophet should be the wisest person in the matter of religious law and none of the points relating to religion should be hidden from him. And as the Imam is one who completes or narrates that portion of the religious law which was not narrated during the time of the Prophet of Allah, he (i.e. the Imam) too should be the most knowledgeable person with regard to the commands, and rules and regulations of religion.

3. Prophethood is a status which comes through nomination by Allah and not through selection by the people. A Prophet is introduced by Allah and is appointed to the office of prophethood by Him, because it is only He who can distinguish between an infallible and a fallible person and only He can understand as to who has attained such a position under the auspices of His blessing that he should be aware of all the details of the religion.

However, according to the second point of view (i.e. of the Sunnis), it is not necessary that any of the conditions for prophethood should be found in the Imam. It is not necessary that he should possess infallibility, righteousness, knowledge or conversance with religious law or should be nominated or should have relationship with the occult world.

It is sufficient that he should protect the glory and worldly interests of Islam by making use of his own intelligence as well as by consulting the Muslims and should ensure the security, of the area by enforcing penal laws and should endeavour to extend the territories of Islam under the call for jihad.

PROPHETHOOD AND IMAMATE WERE INTER-RELATED

Besides the logical and philosophical arguments which finally prove the correctness of the first viewpoint the hadiths and the narrations which have come down from the Prophet of Islam also confirm the view of Shi'ah Ulema. During the period of his prophethood the Prophet specified his successor time and again and excluded the subject of Imamate (successorship) from the purview of selection or reference to the popular vote. He not only specified his successor during the last days of his life, but, even at the outset of his prophethood, when not more than two persons had embraced his religion, he introduced his successor to the people.

One day he was ordered by Allah to warn his near ones of Divine torture and to invite them to Islam before extending an invitation to the public. In a meeting in which forty-five elders of the family of Bani Hashim were present he said: "The first person amongst you who assists me will be my brother and successor". When Ali stood up and acknowledged his prophethood he turned to those present and said: "This young man is my brother and successor."[1] This hadith is very well known amongst the exegetes and the traditionalists with the name of hadith Yaumud Dar and hadith Bid'ul Da'wah.

Not only at the commencement of his prophethood but on various other occasions also the Prophet made declarations about the mastership and the succession of Ali. However, none of these declarations equals the hadith of Ghadir in its greatness, clarity decisiveness and universality.

The ceremonies of Haj were over and the Muslims directly learnt the religious acts connected with Haj from the Prophet. The Prophet decided to leave Makkah for Madina. Orders for departure were given. When the caravan reached the region of Rabigh,[2] which is situated at a distance of three miles from Juhfah,[3] the Archangel Jibreel descended at a place called Ghadir Khum and communicated the following verse to the Prophet:

O Messenger! Convey what is revealed to you from your Lord, for if you do it not, it would be as though you have not conveyed His message. Allah will protect you from the people. (Surah al-Ma'ida, 5:67).

The tone of the verse shows that the Almighty Allah entrusted a very important task to the Prophet. And what task could be more important than that he should appoint Ali as his caliph and successor before the very eyes of hundreds of thousands of people. Hence orders were given to all the persons to halt. People who had gone forward ceased to move further and those who were left behind joined them. It was the noon time and the weather was very hot. The people covered their heads with a part of their cloaks and placed the other part under their feet. A shade was arranged for the Prophet by means of a cloak which was thrown on a tree. He offered the noon prayers in congregation. Thereafter, while the people were encircling him, he took his place on a platform which had been prepared with the saddles of the camels, and delivered the following sermon in a loud voice.

SERMON OF THE PROPHET AT GHADIR KHUM

All glory is specially for Allah. We seek His help and have faith in Him and rely upon Him. We seek refuge in Him from our evil doings and indecent deeds. He is the Lord besides whom there is no guide. There will be none to mislead one whom He guides. I testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger. Yes, O people! I may soon accept the Divine invitation and may depart from amongst you. I am responsible and you too are responsible. What is your opinion about me?" At this stage those present said loudly: "We testify that you have carried out your mission and made efforts in this behalf. My Allah reward you for this!"

The Prophet said: "Do you testify that the Lord of the World is one and Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger and that there is no doubt about life in the other world?" AII of them said: "lt's correct and we testify it".

Then the Prophet said: "O my followers! I am leaving behind two valuable assets as legacies to you and it is to be seen as to how you behave with these two legacies of mine".

At this moment a person stood up and said with a loud voice: "What do you mean by the two exquisite things? To this the Prophet replied; "One of them is the Book of Allah, one side of which is related to Allah and the other side is in your hands. And the other thing is my progeny and my Ahl al-Bayt. Allah has informed me that these too memorable things will not act separated from each other".

Yes, O people, Don't seek precedence over the Qur'an and over my progeny and do not be negligent in your behaviour towards them, lest you should be annihilated. At this moment he held the hand of Ali and raised it so high that the whiteness of the armpits of both of them became visible to the people. He introduced him (i.e. Ali) to all the people and then said: "Who enjoys more rights over the believers than themselves?" All of them said, "Allah and His Prophet know better". Then the Prophet said: "Allah is my maula (master) and I am the maula of the believers and I am more deserving and enjoy more rights over them than they themselves.

Yes, O people! Of whomsoever I am the maula this Ali is also his maula.[4]

"O Allah! Love those, who love Ali and be inimical to those who are inimical towards Ali. O Allah! help Ali's friends; humiliate his enemies and make him the pivot of truth".

In the meanwhile the Archangel Jibreel came and brought this verse: This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favours to you, and have chosen for you the religion Islam (Surah al-Ma'idah, 5:3)

At this moment the Prophet pronounced Takbir loudly and then added: "I thank Allah for His having perfected His religion and for having completed His favour and for His having been pleased with the mastership and succession of Ali after me". Then the Prophet stepped down from the platform and said to Ali: "Sit in a tent so that the chiefs and distinguished personalities of Islam may shake hands with you and congratulate you".

The two shaykhs (Abu Bakr and Umar) congratulated Ali before all others and called him their maula.

Hassan bin Thabit, the renowned poet, after obtaining the Prophet's permission recited the following verses:

"He said to Ali: Stand up for I have selected you to succeed me and to guide the people after me".

"Of whomsoever I am the maula Ali is his maula. You love him sincerely and follow him".

THE AUTHENTIC SOURCES OF THE HADITH GHADIR

Amongst all the traditions and Islamic narrations no other hadith (tradition) has been published and quoted as much as Hadith Ghadir. From out of the Ulema of Ahl Sunnat alone 353 have quoted it in their books and the number of authorities they rely upon reaches up to 110 companions. 26 great scholars of Islam have written independent books about the authorities and channels of this hadith. The famous historian of Islam, Abu Ja'far Tabari, has collected the authorities and channels of this hadith in two big volumes.

Throughout the passage of history this hadith has been the greatest authority about the precedence of Imam Ali over all other companions of the Prophet and Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, himself argued on its basis in the consultative meeting which was held after the death of the Second Caliph as well as during the Caliphate of Uthman and his own Caliphate. Besides the Commander of the Faithful many other distinguished personalities amongst the Muslims have always relied on this hadith in reply to the opponents and deniers of the rights of Ali.

The event of Ghadir[5] enjoys so much importance that, as quoted by numerous exegetes and traditionalists, verses of the Holy Qur'an have been revealed in connection with the event of that day.

[1] Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, page 216 and Tarikh-i Kamil, vol. II, page 410.
[2] Rabigh is a place situated between Makkah and Madina.
[3] It is one of the Miqats (i.e. places where ehram is put on). From here the paths of the people of Madina, Egypt and Iraq were separated.
[4] In order to make sure that no misunderstanding arose afterwards the Prophet repeated this sentence thrice.
[5] For further details refer al-Ghadir vol. I, by Allamah Amini.


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Ref: The Message, Ayatullah Ja'far Subhani
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