men_around_the_prophet

27 / 255

More info and Downloads at Page 27 of 255
The Prophet (PBUH) realized the nature of his new disciple and his amazing ability to encounter
falsehood. However, the time for public declaration of the message had not yet come, so again he
ordered Abu Dhar to go back to his kin and whenever he heard the announcement of the new religion, he
would play his role.
Abu Dhar returned to his kin and tribe, telling them about the Prophet (PBUH) who called people to
worship only Allah and who guided them to noble manners. His people embraced Islam one by one. Bani
Ghifaar alone did not suffice him; he turned to Bani Aslim, to spread his lights there.
Time passed and the Prophet (PBUH) emigrated to Al Madiinah and there, together with Muslims,
he settled down.
One day the city welcomed long lines of people on horseback and on foot. Their feet made a great
noise. Were it not for their loud shout "Allah is the Greatest", the viewer would have thought it was an
attacking polytheist army. The great parade approached and entered Al-Madiinah. Their destination was
the Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque. The parade consisted of two tribes, Bani Ghifaar and Bani Aslim. Abu
Dhar made them come as Muslims, all of them: men, women, elderly, youth, and even the children!
No doubt, the Prophet's wonder and astonishment increased. In the distant past he had been very
astonished when he witnessed one of the tribe of Ghifaar his embracement of Islam, and he had
expressed on that day his wonder saying, "Allah guides whom He wills."
But now, the whole tribe had come after already becoming Muslim. It had lived several years under
the banner of Islam since Allah guided it by means of Abu Dhar. Now it had come together with Bani
Aslim.
The former allies of the devil, the notorious highwaymen, had become the allies of truth and great
men of good deeds.
Is it not true that Allah guides whom He pleases? The Prophet (PBUH) looked at their kind faces
with eyes full of joy, tenderness, and love. He looked at Bani Ghifaar and said, "May Allah forgive
Ghifaar." Then he turned to Bani Aslim and said, "May Allah make peace with Aslim."
Abu Dhar, this magnificent propogator of Islam who was obstinate, unyielding, and difficult to be
defeated: was the Prophet (PBUH) not going to salute him with a special greeting?
Indeed, his reward was going to be abundant and his greeting blessed. He was going to carry on his
chest- but also his history was going to carry - the highest, most honorable, and most respectable medals.
Generations and centuries will pass away, but the Prophet's opinion about Abu Dhar will always stay
alive in people's memory: "The earth never carried above it, nor did the sky ever shade under it a more
truthful tongue than Abu Dhar's".
The Prophet (PBUH) determined his Companion's future and summed up his whole life in those
simple words.
Bold and daring truthfulness was the essence of Abu Dhar's whole life. Truthfulness of his inner
soul as well as his appearance. Truthfulness of his faith as well as his tongue. All his life he was truthful.
Neither deceiving himself or anyone else, nor allowing anyone to deceive him.
His truthfulness was not mute merit. According to Abu Dhar, truthfulness is never silent.
Truthfulness is equivalent to openness and publicity, publicity of truth and challenge to falsehood,
support of right and refutation of wrong. Truthfulness is a reasonable ally to truth and a courageous
expression of it; both quicken their pace.