Volume 4, Book 56, Number 724:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
When the news of the advent of the Prophet reached Abu Dhar, he said to his brother, “Ride to this
valley and bring me the news of this man (i.e. the Prophet ) who claims to be a Prophet receiving in –
formation from the Heaven. Listen to him and then come to me.” His brother set out till he met the
Prophet and listened to his speech and returned to Abu Dhar and said to him, “I have seen him ex –
horting people to virtues and his speech was not like poetry.” Abu Dhar said, “You have not satisfied
me as to what I wanted.” So, he took his journey-food and a water-skin full of water and set out till
he reached Mecca, where he went to the Mosque looking for the Prophet , whom he did not know,
and he would not like to ask someone about him. So, a portion of the night had passed when ‘Ali saw
him and realized that he was a stranger. Abu Dhar followed him (to his house), but neither of them
asked the other about anything till it was morning, when he carried his water-skin and food and
went to the Mosque. He spent that day without being observed by the Prophet till it was night, when
he returned to his sleeping place. ‘Ali again passed by him and said, “Hasn’t the man (i.e. Abu Dhar)
recognized his dwelling place yet?” So, ‘Ali let him get up and took him (to his house), but neither of
them asked the other about anything, till it was the third day when ‘Ali had the same experience
with him and Abu Dhar again stayed with him. ‘Ali then asked, “Won’t you tell me what has brought
you here?” He replied, “If you give me a promise and a convention that you will guide me, then I will
tell you.” When ‘Ali did, Abu Dhar informed him (of his purpose). ‘Ali said, “It is the Truth, and he (i.e.
Muhammad) is the Apostle of Allah. So when the morning comes, follow me, and if I should perceive
any danger threatening you, I will give you a hint by pretending to go to the watercloset. But if I car –
ried on walking, follow me till you enter the place that I will enter.” Abu Dhur agreed and followed
‘Ali till he entered the place of the Prophet and Abu Dhur entered with him. He then listened to the
speech of the Prophet and embraced Islam on that very spot. The Prophet said to him, “Go back to
your people and inform them (of this religion) till you receive my (further) orders.” Abu Dhur said,
“By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I will proclaim my conversion to Islam publicly amongst them
(i.e. infidels).” He went out till he reached the Mosque and announced as loudly as possible, “I testify
that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah.” The
people then got up and beat him till they knocked him down. Al-Abbas came and threw himself over
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SAHIH BUKHARI VOLUME 4 > BOOK 56: VIRTUES AND MERITS OF THE PROPHET (PBUH) AND HIS COMPANIONS
him (to protect him) saying, Woe to you! Don’t you know that he is from Ghifar and there is the
route (road) to your merchants towards Sham (i.e. through the place where this tribe dwells)?” Thus
he saved him from them. Abu Dhar did the same on the next day and the people beat him again and
Al-‘Abbas drew himself over him (to save him as before).