By Dr. Muhammad Hussein Aboud – College of Islamic Sciences, University of Karbala

Abu Dhar, Jundub ibn Junada Al-Ghifari (died 31 or 32 AH), was one of the early companions to embrace Islam. It is said he was the fourth or fifth person to accept Islam and was among those who openly proclaimed their faith in Mecca before the Prophet’s migration. Abu Dhar was known for his monotheism and rejection of idol worship even before Islam.

When he heard of someone preaching monotheism in Mecca, he quickly sought out the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and became one of the early Muslims. After the Battles of Badr and Uhud, he migrated to Medina and closely accompanied the Prophet. He participated in several expeditions and later resided in Syria, known for his fearless advocacy of truth and justice. He would walk through markets, declaring:

“And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend them in the way of Allah, give them tidings of a painful punishment”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 34)

This was perceived as a criticism of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, highlighting the misuse of wealth by the Umayyads. Consequently, Muawiyah complained to Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, who exiled Abu Dhar to Al-Rabdhah. Abu Dhar passed away there in either 31 or 32 AH. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud performed his funeral prayer and personally laid him to rest.

Numerous hadiths emphasize Abu Dhar’s virtues. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“In my nation, Abu Dhar resembles Jesus, son of Mary, in his asceticism.”

When Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was asked about Abu Dhar, he remarked:
“He is a man who grasped knowledge that others were unable to comprehend and preserved it without revealing it.”

In another narration, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) mentioned:
“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Paradise longs for you, Ammar, Salman, Abu Dhar, and Al-Miqdad.”