(Sayyiduna Abu Zarr Ghifaari [radhiyallahu ‘anhu] – Part One)
Sayyiduna Abu Zarr Ghifaari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who hailed from the Ghifaar tribe — a people notorious for highway robbery. He was exceptionally brave and daring. Before accepting Islam, he would single-handedly attack caravans like a fierce predator and raid entire tribes, taking whatever he could.
His name was Jundub bin Junaadah, and his lineage met up with that of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at Kinaanah. He had a brother, Sayyiduna Unais (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), who also accepted Islam.
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) began spreading Islam in Makkah Mukarramah, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) sent his brother to gather information about his teachings.
Sayyiduna Unais (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported back, describing Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) message of commanding good and forbidding evil, noting that his words were not mere poetry, but of divine origin. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was not entirely satisfied with his brother’s report and desired to meet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) personally.
Thus, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) set out for Makkah Mukarramah with a few essentials. He neither knew what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) looked like nor did he have the courage to ask anyone about him, fearing harm from the people of Makkah Mukarramah. He thus remained in the Haram of Makkah Mukarramah, sustaining himself by drinking from the well of Zamzam whenever he needed.
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) happened to pass by and noticed that Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a stranger. Out of compassion, he invited him to his home. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted the invitation and spent the night there. Neither of them, however, spoke about the reason for his visit, and the next morning, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) returned to the Haram. He remained there throughout the day, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), but he neither saw him nor found anyone he could safely ask.
That evening, Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) again came across Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and invited him to his home for a second time. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted, and once again, neither of them discussed his presence in Makkah Mukarramah. The following day passed in the same manner, with Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) searching in vain for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
On the third evening, Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) met him once more and extended his hospitality for a third consecutive night. This time, however, he asked, “Will you not tell me what has brought you to this city?” Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied by asking Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to first take an oath that he would keep his secret and guide him to what he sought. Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) took the oath, after which Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) confided that he had come to Makkah Mukarramah specifically to meet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) confirmed that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was indeed the true Messenger of Allah Ta‘ala and promised to take him to meet him the following morning. He also gave him discreet instructions to avoid suspicion along the way: “If I see someone who might pose a threat, I will pretend to fix my sandal and you should continue walking. That way, the onlooker will not suspect that we are together.” In this manner, they made their way through the streets of Makkah Mukarramah until they finally arrived at the home of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) presented Islam to Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and he accepted it immediately. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then advised him to keep his Islam secret (in Makkah Mukarramah) and return to his tribe, spreading the message of Islam among them. He (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also advised him to return when Islam gained more strength.
Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) understood that the advice to conceal his Islam was not a command, but a suggestion offered out of concern and compassion, as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not wish for him to be harmed by the disbelievers of Makkah Mukarramah. However, being strong and resolute, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) swore that he would proclaim his Islam openly, regardless of the consequences.
Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) made his way to the masjid at a time when many members of the Quraish were present. With fearless conviction, he called out, “O people of Quraish! I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is His slave and messenger!” Upon hearing this bold declaration, the Quraish rushed at him and launched a vicious assault. They beat him with such intensity that he was nearly killed.
At that point, Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) intervened and warned them, saying, “Woe to you! Do you not know that this man is from the tribe of Ghifaar? Your trade routes to Syria pass through their territory. If you harm him, your trade will be at risk!” Realizing the potential consequences, the Quraish backed off and spared his life.
The very next morning, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) returned to the masjid and once again openly proclaimed his Islam. The Quraish, enraged by his defiance, launched another brutal attack. Yet again, Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) stepped in and managed to stop them from causing further harm.
(Saheeh Bukhaari #3522, #3861 & Fat-hul Baari, Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 4, pg. 222 and Al-Istee‘aab vol. 4, pg. 216)
Lessons:
1. Hospitality is a noble trait that not only shone in the lives of the righteous throughout history, but even disbelievers who possessed character and values. Welcoming guests into our homes is a priceless opportunity to earn the blessings and barakah of Allah Ta‘ala. Despite not knowing Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) hosted him in his home for three consecutive nights without hesitation. In contrast, many of us today find it difficult to extend hospitality even to close family members. This story serves as a reminder to revive the beautiful sunnah of generosity and hospitality in our lives.
2. The strength of a believer is beloved to Allah Ta‘ala— not only physical strength, but strength of imaan, determination, and courage. When we study the lives of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the pious of the past, we see how deeply this quality of bravery was embedded within them. Although it was perfectly fine for Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to have concealed his Islam and thereby spare himself from the abuse of the Quraish, his unwavering commitment to the truth compelled him to openly declare his faith, regardless of the consequences. True strength lies not merely in physical might, but in standing firm upon the truth in the face of adversity.