{"id":21875,"date":"2025-11-19T13:45:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T11:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alhaadi.org.za\/?p=21875"},"modified":"2025-11-19T13:50:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T11:50:30","slug":"truth-in-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alhaadi.org.za\/?p=21875","title":{"rendered":"Truth in Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Sayyiduna Abu Zarr [radhiyallahu \u2018anhu] \u2013 Part Five)<\/em><\/p>\n

Together with acquiring profound knowledge from Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) was equally diligent in implementing his blessed teachings. This can clearly be seen from the following incident:<\/p>\n

On one occasion, a group of travellers passed by Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) and noticed that he was wearing a piece of garment while his slave was wearing the other piece of the same set. Seeing this, they remarked, \u201cIf you had worn both (pieces), it would have been a (complete) set (and would look more presentable).\u201d Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) then explained the reason, recounting an incident that had taken place during the lifetime of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam):<\/p>\n

Once, during an argument with a slave, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) uttered a remark that carried a trace of racial pride. The slave complained to Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) who reproached Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) saying, \u201cO Abu Zarr! Indeed, you are a man in whom there is (still a trace of) jaahiliyyah (the days of ignorance).\u201d<\/p>\n

Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) then advised him, \u201cThey (i.e. the slaves) are your brothers whom Allah has placed under your authority. So feed them from what you eat and clothe them with what you wear. Do not burden them with tasks beyond their ability, and if you do assign them something difficult, then assist them.\u201d (Saheeh Bukhaari #30 & Fat-hul Baari and Saheeh Muslim #4313)<\/em><\/p>\n

From that moment onwards, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) became exceptionally careful to treat his slaves with utmost kindness, compassion, and equality.<\/p>\n

In another narration, it is mentioned that Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) was once gifted two pieces of garment. In his zeal to maintain equality between himself and his slave, he used one piece to cover the lower half of his body together with another garment for the upper part, and he gave the second piece to his slave. When he later appeared before the people, they remarked, \u201cHad you worn both together, it would have been more beautiful.\u201d Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) responded by quoting the same statement of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) concerning the treatment of slaves. (Tabaqaat Ibni Sa\u2019d vol. 4, pg. 237)<\/em><\/p>\n

Honesty and truthfulness were so deeply rooted in Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) himself testified to these qualities saying, \u201cNeither has the sky shaded nor has the earth carried any person more truthful and faithful than Abu Zarr (i.e. he is among the most truthful of people). (He is) like \u2018Eesa bin Maryam (\u2018alaihis salaam) (in his humility).\u201d (Sunan Tirmizi #3802<\/em> and Mirqaat #6238<\/em>)<\/em><\/p>\n

In this light, he was exceptionally steadfast in upholding the truth, undeterred by criticism or consequence. On one occasion, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) declared, \u201cBy Allah! If you were to place a sword upon this \u2013 pointing to his throat \u2013 for me to leave out a word which I heard from Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), I would still convey it before that happens (that you sever my head).\u201d (Tabaqaat Ibni Sa\u2019d vol. 2, pg. 354)<\/em><\/p>\n

Like all the noble Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum), Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) was distinguished for his generosity and warm hospitality. When he would milk his goat, he would first serve the milk to his neighbours and guests before taking any for himself. One evening, he was seen milking his goat until not a drop remained in its udders. He then presented (the milk along with) a few dates to his guests and humbly said, \u201cIf we had anything better than this, we would have brought it (for you).\u201d He then spent that night without eating anything himself. (Tabaqaat Ibni Sa\u2019d vol. 4, pg. 235)<\/em><\/p>\n

Lessons:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Acknowledging one\u2019s faults and striving to reform oneself is a rare but essential quality for spiritual progress. When Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) pointed out the trace of jaahiliyyah in him, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) immediately corrected his conduct and even went beyond what was required to ensure equality between himself and his slave. Sincere self-reformation is the key to attain true piety.<\/p>\n

2. True nobility lies in the manner one treats those under one\u2019s care or authority. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) embodied this by upholding fairness and kindness towards his slave, perfectly reflecting the noble guidance of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam). Humility, justice, and compassion towards all, regardless of status, are hallmarks of righteousness.<\/p>\n

3. A defining trait of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) and the pious predecessors was their selflessness and generosity. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) would serve his guests before himself and give preference to others even when he possessed little, spending the night hungry while others were fed.<\/p>\n

>>>Download Musjid Poster\u00a0Page 1<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Page 2<\/a><<<<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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