Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam’s Profound Advice to Hadhrat Abu Dharr Ghifaari رضي الله عنه
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam’s Profound Advice to Hadhrat Abu Dharr Ghifaari Radiallahu Anhu
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam’s Profound Advice to Hadhrat Abu Dharr Ghifaari Radiallahu Anhu
Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu reports that he once asked Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam what the scriptures revealed to Hadhrat Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam contained. Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam replied,
‘”They were full of expressions such as ‘0 conquering, troubled and deceived king! I have not sent you to gather the things of this world and to heap piles upon another. I have sent you to prevent the plea of the oppressed from reaching Me because I never reject such a plea even though it may come from a Kaafir.’
“As long as a thinking man does not lose his senses, he should distribute his time in a few activities. He should devote some time in secret conversation with his Rabb, some time engaging in introspection, some time contemplating over the creations of his Rabb and some time expressly for his needs of food and drink.
The thinking man must not undertake a journey unless it be for one of three reasons; to earn provisions for the Aakhirah, to set right an affair pertaining to his livelihood or to gain some pleasure that is not forbidden.
It is also necessary for the thinking man to have a deep insight into his times and to be prepared for its conditions. He must also guard his tongue. Whoever judges his words by his actions will have few words to speak unless it concerns matters of importance.”‘
“0 Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu asked further, “What did the scriptures of Hadhrat Moosa contain?”
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam replied, “It was replete with lessons (such as).
‘I am astonished at the person who is convinced about death, yet enjoys himself.
I am astonished at the person who is convinced about the fire of Jahannam, yet he continues to laugh.
I am astonished at the person who is convinced about predestination, yet he still exerts himself unnecessarily.
I am astonished at the person who sees this world and how it keeps passing from person to person, yet he places his trust in her.
I am astonished at the person who is convinced about reckoning tomorrow, yet he does not work for it.”‘
“0 Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam ” Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu then asked, “Do advise me.”
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam complied by saying,
“I advise you to adopt Taqwa because it is the fountainhead of all affairs.”
“Do advise me further, 0 RasuluIlaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam ,” Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu asked.
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Ensure that you recite the Qur’aan and engage in Allaah’s Dhikr because this is a light for you in this world and a treasure in the Aakhirah.”
“0 Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam ” Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu entreated, “Give me some more advice.”
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam continued, “Abstain from excessive laughter because it kills the heart and removes the light from one’s face.”
“Do advise me further, 0 Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam ” Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu pleaded.
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam advised him further saying, “Ensure that you participate in Jihaad because it is the monasticism of my Ummah.”
When Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu asked for more advice, Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam further stated, “Ensure that you remain silent for extended periods because this will repel Shaytaan and assist you in matters of Deen.”
Upon Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu’s further insistence, Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam continued his advice saying, “Love the poor and keep their company.” “0 Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam ” Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu implored, “Please give me more advice.” Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you because this is more conducive to you not looking down on Allaah’s favours upon you.”
Again Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu asked, “0 Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam advise me further.” To this, Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam stated, “Speak the truth regardless of how bitter it may be.”
Upon yet another request from Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam ‘s advice was,
“Knowing your own faults should prevent you from finding faults in others and never be angry with others for the faults you have yourself. You will be guilty enough for finding such faults in people that you do not know exist within yourself and for becoming angry with others for the things you yourself do.”
Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam then placed his hand on Hadhrat Abu Dharr Radiallahu Anhu’s chest and said, “0 Abu Dharr! There is no intelligence like astute planning, no piety like abstinence and no family pride as excellent as good character. (1)
(1) Ibn Abi Dunya, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.473). Abu Nu’aym has reported the complete narration in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.166), as have Hasan bin Sufyaan and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.8 Pg.201)
Source: Hayaatus Sahaabah
