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SALMÃN AL-FÃRISI  رضي الله عنه

A Quest for Truth, and a Date with Freedom

 

 He is Salmãn al-Fãrisi رضي الله عنه, and he is the forerunner and the champion of Persia. He was adamant and relentless in the  pursuit of his exalted goal, and he abounded with rich knowledge and deep wisdom. Abu ‘Abdullãh that is his patronym, Salmãn al-Fãrisi (the Persian) was reborn in Islam. He was a beacon of knowledge and a pier of wisdom. He became a close companion of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, and he was a noble and a compassionate one. He was told by Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, that paradise longs to meet him. Because of his correct understanding, wisdom, and close relationship to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, Salmãn bore patiently the hardships and material adversities of this world, and his superior knowledge and wisdom helped him make his uphill battle with life easy and manageable, and his legacy will surely live forever. The particular spiritual aspect we wish to elucidate in this record about Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, relates to meeting one’s challenges in this life with perseverance, and to overcome anxiety with faith, and by giving things their true worth.

* Abu Huthaifa narrated, re ‘Ammãra bin Zãthãn, re Anas bin Mãlik رضيَ الله عنه may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace said: “The forerunners (Arb. sãbiqün in responding to Allah’s message) are four: I am the forerunner for the Arabs, Suhayb is the forerunners for the Byzantines (Arb. Rüm), Salmãn is the forerunner for the Persians, and Bilãl is the forerunner for the Abassinians (Ethiopian, Africans).”

A WEDDING IN KINDA

* Muzãhim reported, re Sadaqa, re Abu ‘Abdu-Rahmãn, that Salmãn narrated a story when he got married to a (wealthy) woman from Kinda, and they were to consummate their marriage in her house. After the wedding ceremony (which took place in a different location), Salmãn’s male friends walked him to the bride’s house, and when they arrived at her door, Salmãn turned to his companions and said: “Now you may return to your homes, may Allah reward you for coming (to bless this wedding).” Thus, Salmãn did not invite them to enter his bride’s house, and he did not introduce her to them, as it were the (so called, civilized) social customs of fatuitous people of the time. When Salmãn looked at the dwelling (of his wealthy wife), he found the house fully draped. He commented: “Are your walls damaged by humidity, (so that you had to cover them), or was the Ka‘aba moved to Kinda?” Hence, Salmãn refused to enter until all the (decorative) curtains were taken down, except for the curtain covering the entrance door. Finally, when he entered the house, he found it excessively furnished, he asked: “To whom does this furniture belong?” The family of the bride replied: “To you and to your wife!” Salmãn responded: “My bosom friend ﷺ upon whom be peace, did not advise me thus. My bosom friend ﷺ advised me not to append more accessories and furnishings than a traveler would carry with him on a journey.” Salmãn then saw servants in the house, and he asked: “What are these (female) servants doing here?” The family of the bride replied: “They are to serve you and your wife!” Salmãn commented: “My bosom friend ﷺ upon whom be peace, did not advise me thus. He advised me to only keep the woman I wed. Hence, should I become attracted to their silkiness and femininity, and should I victimize any of them, they would have brethren, and my sin will be equal to their.” Salmãn looked again, and he saw several maidens attending to his wife, and he addressed them by saying: “Are you going to stay here? Would you not leave me alone with my wife?” They replied in the affirmative, and left the house. Salmãn followed them to the door, and he locked the main entrance, and draped a curtain behind it. When he returned to his bride, he sat with her for a moment, and he gently anointed her forehead with his hand, prayed for Allah’s blessings upon their union, and he said to her: “Would be willing to do something if I ask you?” She replied: “I am sitting in the company of a sire who must be obeyed.” Salmãn then said: “My bosom friend ﷺ upon whom be peace advised me that when I join with my family, to join together in obedience to Almighty Allah I, and in what pleases Him.” Then Salmãn and his bride went to separate prayer quarters in their house, and they prayed as much as Allah U willed. When they concluded their prayers, they joined together, and Salmãn satisfied in her what a husband fulfills for his wife. In the morning, some of his friends saw him, and they asked him: “How did you find your wife?” Salmãn ignored their question, and turned to the other side. His friends insisted on asking the same question again, and Salmãn pretended not to hear it. On the third time, he retorted: “Almighty Allah I created the curtains, the veils, and the doors to conceal what is behind them. Therefore, must one of you ask a question, it should only relate to what he witnesses. As to what is veiled to his knowledge, he should abstain from investigating it. I heard Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace say: ‘Whoever talks about it (i.e., his wedding night) to a friend, the bride and the groom will be like two donkeys mounting one another in the open.’ ”

* Referring to the above account, Ibn Juraij narrated, re ‘Atã, that Ibn ‘Abbãs رضيَ الله عنه may Allah be pleased with him said: “One time, Salmãn returned from a journey, and Omar bin al-Khattãb welcomed him, saying, ‘I truly accept and recognize you as a true servant of Almighty Allah.’ Salmãn replied, ‘Then give me someone (in your family) in marriage.’ Omar refrained from answering. Seeing that, Salmãn commented, ‘You accept me as a true servant of Almighty Allah عز وجل I although you do not accept me to become your in-law?’ Salmãn went to his house, and in the morning a delegation from the family of Omar knocked at his door, and Salmãn said to them, ‘Is there something you need?’ They replied, ‘Indeed.’ Salmãn asked, ‘First of all, what is it? And second, I do not know whether I can satisfy what you want!’ The people said, ‘We have come to ask you to halt your intention of betrothal to Omar’s family.’ Salmãn replied, ‘I swear by Almighty Allah U it is not his (political) status or influence that I sought! I said to myself that he is a righteous man, and perhaps Allah I will bring out of my seed and his seed a blessed soul.’ ” Ibn ‘Abbãs رضيَ الله عنه may Allah be pleased with him, continued: “Hence, the question of betrothal to Omar’s family was put aside, and later on Salmãn got married to a woman from Kinda …” as the story was reported earlier.

* ‘Abdul-Malik bin Juraij, narrated, re Abi Harb, son of Abi al-Aswad, re al-Aswad, his father, that Zãthãn al-Kindi said: “We visited ‘Ali رضيَ الله عنه may Allah bless his countenance, and it happened that he was in good mood, and when the people felt comfortable and close to him, they asked, ‘O prince of the believers, tell us something about your close companions.’ ‘Ali رضيَ الله عنه replied, ‘Which one of my companions do you want to know about?’ They said, ‘The companions of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace.’ ‘Ali inquired, ‘All of the companions of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace are my companions. Which one do you want me to talk about?’ They replied, ‘Talk about those whom you spoke of reverently, affectionately, and blessed, — tell us about Salmãn al-Fãrisi!’ ” “ ‘Ali رضيَ الله عنه may Allah bless his countenance said, ‘Who else besides  Salmãn do you expect to be a Gnostic of the caliber of Luqmãn al-Hakïm? Salmãn is one of us, the family of Ãl al-Bait, the house of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ and he is a blessed treasure, from whom we all benefit. He fathomed the primal knowledge and the ultimate one, and he read the original book and the last revelation. Indeed, he is an inexhaustible ocean (of knowledge).’ ”

* ‘Ammãr bin Zuraiq narrated, re Sãlih, re Um al-Dardã’, the wife of Abu Dardã’ رضيَ الله عنه who also narrated that Salmãn al-Fãrisi رضيَ الله عنه may Allah be pleased with him, once visited them, and he found Um al-Dardã’, the wife of Abu Dardã’ looking unhappy, apathetic, and disinterested in her appearance. Salmãn asked her: “What is disturbing you?” Um al-Dardã’ replied: “Your brother Abu Dardã’ has no interest in women. He fasts his days, and prays all his nights!” Salmãn turned to Abu Dardã’ and said: “Surely your family has rights upon you. You can pray, rest, fast, and break your fast.” When the story reached Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, he commented: “Salmãn is certainly endowed with knowledge.”

* In another narration of the above account, reported by ‘Aown, re his father Abu Juhaifa, that Salmãn once visited Abu Dardã’, and he found his wife Um al-Dardã’ emotionally upset and neglectful of her appearance. Salmãn asked her: “What is upsetting you?” She replied: “It seems that your brother Abu Dardã’ has lost interest in this world. He stands up all night in prayers, and he fasts his days!” Later on, Salmãn invited Abu Dardã’ to visit him, and he presented him with some food. Abu Dardã’ replied: “I am fasting.” Salmãn said: “I will not eat until you eat!” Abu Dardã’ رضيَ الله عنه felt some pressure to share food with Salmãn t, hence, he broke his fast and stayed overnight at Salmãn’s house. In the middle of the night, Abu Dardã’ walk up to pray, Salmãn was up, and he delayed him for a moment and said, ‘O Abu Dardã’, surely your Lord has rights upon you, your family has rights upon you, and your body has rights upon you! Give each one of them their due rights. You may fast, break your fast, sleep, and have marital relations, etc.’ ” “At dawn, Salmãn said to Abu Dardã’, ‘Let’s go now.’ Hence, they refreshed their ablution, prayed two rak‘ãt, and went to join the congregational prayer at the mosque. As soon as Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace finished leading the prayers, Abu Dardã’ went to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace and related to him what Salmãn did. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ reiterated, ‘O Abu Dardã’, surely your body has rights upon you …’ and he repeated everything, exactly as Salmãn said it.”

* ‘Amru bnu Murra narrated, re Abi al-Bakhtari that a man from the tribe of Bani ‘Abbãs once took a journey with Salmãn al-Fãrisi. When they reached the (Dajla), the Tigris River, they stopped to drink some water. When they finished drinking, Salmãn said to his companion: “Drink more!” The man replied: “My thirst is quenched.” Salmãn instanced: “Do you see how much your drink of water has decreased this river?” The man replied astoundingly: “And what could a drink of water decrease of this giant river?” Salmãn replied: “Knowledge is like that! (It is an ocean), and it does not diminish. Take from it what benefit you.”

 * ‘Ubaid bin Wãqid narrated, re Hafs bin ‘Amr al-Sa‘adi, re his uncle, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi once said to Huthaifa: “O brother of the tribe of Bani ‘Abs. Knowledge is an ocean, and one’s span of life in this world is too short, hence, no one can encompass it. Get the share of knowledge that is advantageous for your religious success, and forgo the balance, you do not have to suffer its hardships.”

* Al-Thawri narrated, re his father, re al-Mughïra bin Shubail, re Tãriq bin Shahãb, that the latter desired to know the extent of Salmãn al-Fãrisi’s devotion, so he invited himself, and stayed overnight his house. (It appears that Salmãn understood Tãriq’s intention, and opted to provide an easy to follow tradition that common people can comply with). Tãriq bin Shahãb stayed up most of the night, only to find out that just prior to the dawn (fajr) prayers, Salmãn woke up, took his ablution, and prayed at home prior to attending the congregational prayers at the mosque. As to Tãriq, it seemed that Salmãn’s performance did not meet his expectations. Hence, he inquired about it. Salmãn replied: “O people! You must observe these obligatory five daily prayers, for they are penance for the expiation of individual failures, and sins committed by one’s limbs, except for the major sins. Once people offer their nightly (‘Isha) prayers, they issue upon three different stations: (1) Someone is disingratiated by his own deeds — he owe and he does not benefit; (2) another person is ingratiated by his own attentiveness to his devotion, and he is free of indebtedness; and, (3) a third person comes out empty handed, he earns nothing, and owes nothing. As to the first person, he takes advantage of the darkness of the night and of people’s rest, and he indulges in wrongdoing, hence, he loses and does not benefit. The second person takes advantage of the darkness of the night and of people’s rest, and he stands up in prayers all night, hence, he benefits and owes nothing. The third person earns nothing and loses nothing. As soon as he finishes his nightly prayers, he goes to sleep until dawn. O brother! Try not to indulge in deep investigation of others’ performances. Instead, take advantage of your own opportunities, persevere, and be steadfast.”

* Abu Buraida narrated that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, said: “The trustworthy Spirit (ruh’ul Amin) descended upon me, and he told me that Allah loves particularly four people from among companions.” People asked: “O messenger of Allah, who are these people?” He replied: “Ali, Salmãn, Abu Tharr, and al-Miqdãd.”

* ‘Omrãn bin Wahab al-Tã’i narrated , re Anas bin Mãlik, may Allah be pleased with him, who heard Allah’s Messenger ﷺ may Allah be pleased with him say: “The heavenly paradise yearns to meet four of my followers, ‘Ali, al-Miqdãd, ‘Ammãr, and Salmãn.”

HIS COMING TO ISLAM

* Abu’t-Tufail, ‘Ãmir bin Wã’ilah narrated, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “I come from the Tribe of Jai (in the city of Asbahan in Persia), and the people of my town worshiped snow-white, as alabaster, Caucasian horses (Arb. Balqã). In my heart, I knew that what they worshiped lacked substance, and had no truth to their claim of its divinity. I inquired about Almighty Allah I, and I was told by a wise man that ‘the true religion, which you are seeking, is in the West’ of Persia. Hence, I left my homeland, and I traveled as far as the city of Mosul, in Northern Iraq. Thereat, I inquired about the city’s most renowned Gnostic, and I was directed towards a hermitage, wherein lived a monk who worshiped Almighty Allah. When I arrived to his cell, I introduced myself, saying, ‘I am a man from the East, and I have come to seek what is good. If you agree, I would like to remain in your company to serve you, and I wish you to teach me some of the knowledge, Allah has endowed you with?’ The monk replied, ‘Yes!’ Hence, I remained in his company as long as Allah intended, and he shared with me his ration of grains, vinegar, and oil, until he fell in his last illness. When I saw him dying, I sat near his head, and cried. The monk said to me, ‘What is causing you to cry thus?’ I replied, ‘I am cut off from my roots, and I had left my homeland in search of the truth, and indeed, Allah has blessed me to meet you and to stay in your company, wherein, you treated me well, and you taught me what Allah has taught you. Now that death has descended upon you, I do not know where to go!’

The dying monk replied: “Do not worry. I have a brother who lives in such and such place. Go to him, convey my best regards of peace, and tell him that I entrust you to his care, for he is on the right path.”

Salmãn continued: “After his death, I traveled to the place he described, and when I reached the monk he told me about, I said to him, ‘Your brother so and so sends his best regards of peace to you.’ He replied, ‘Peace and blessings be upon him as well. Tell me his news?’ I replied: ‘He passed away.’ I then narrated my story, and I told him that his brother has instructed me to accompany him. The monk accepted me, and I remained in his company as long as Allah intended, and he shared with me his rations as his brother did earlier. When he fell in his last illness, I sat near his bed, and I cried over him. He asked me, ‘What is making you cry thus?’ I replied, ‘I left my homeland, and Allah granted the good company of so and so, who was good to me, and who taught me some of what Allah taught him. On his death bed, he entrusted me to your care, and indeed, you took good care of me, and you taught me some of what Allah taught you. Now that death has descended upon you, and here again, I do not know where to turn or where to go!’

The dying man replied: “Do not worry. I have a brother who lives on the road of Rome. Go to him, convey my best regards of peace, and tell him that I ordered you to go to him, and that I have entrusted you to his care, for he is on the right path.”

Salmãn continued: “After the man’s death, I traveled to where he told me, and when I reached the man the second master told me about, I said to him, ‘Your brother so and so sends his best regards of peace to you.’ He replied, ‘Peace and blessings be upon him as well. Tell me his news?’ I replied: ‘He passed away.’ I then narrated my story, and I told him that his brother has instructed me to remain in his company. The man accepted me, and he treated me well, and he taught me some of what Allah, the Lord of majesty and glory, taught him.”

Salmãn continued: “When the third monk fell ill, I sat near his bed, and I cried over him. He asked me, ‘What is making you cry thus?’ I replied: “You know my story since I left my homeland, and then Almighty Allah blessed me with your good company. Now that death has befallen you, I still do not know where to turn or where to go!”

The monk replied: “Not anywhere! In these days, my brother, I am not acquainted with anyone alive who follows the religion of Jesus, the son of Mary, peace be upon him. However, at this period of time, there may have appeared, or yet to come, a prophet who is supposed to appear in the land of the Tribe of Tihãma, in the southwestern coast of Arabia. Stay here at my hut, and inquire from the traveling caravans that pass by here, (which is the main pass for the Arab Hijazite caravans into the Roman land of Syria). Ask the Arab Hijazite merchants whether a prophet appeared among them lately. If they answer you in the affirmative, then this is the one who is foretold by Jesus, peace be upon him. Among his signs, you will see the seal of prophethood in-between his shoulders, he accepts and eats from a gift, and he does not eat from charity.”

Salmãn continued: “After the man died, I stayed in his hermitage and whenever someone passed by it, I inquired, ‘What country do you come from?’ Finally, one day, a caravan from Mecca passed by me, and when they told me that they come from Hijãz, I asked, ‘Has there appeared among you someone who claims to be a prophet?’ They replied, ‘Yes, indeed!’ I said: ‘Would someone among you accept me to be his slave for the price of carrying me on the back of his camel, and feeding me the needed chunk of bread until we reach Mecca. When we arrive there, he can either sell me as a slave to someone to recuperate his money, or he may keep me for himself.’ Someone in that group said, ‘I do.’ Hence, I became his salve, and he carried me behind him, and fed me the little morsel of food I needed per day until we reached Mecca. Therein, the man placed me to work for him in a date plantation field along with other slaves he owned.”

“One day, I took a walk through the streets of Mecca, and, by chance, I met a woman from my homeland. I talked with her, and I spoke with her in my mother tongue. I was also happy to learn from her that her master and her entire household had accepted Allah’s message, and that they had (secretly) accepted Islam as their religion. I inquired from her about the prophet ﷺ upon whom be peace, and she told me that he usually sits with his companions near the black stone at the Ka‘aba, and that they gather there from the time you hear the cockcrowing of the Meccan cock, and that they disperse after dawn and before the sunrise.”

“That evening, I cut short my stay with my co-workers, claiming to have some stomach irregularity, fearing that they may discover my intention. Hence, I stayed up all night, and at the time before dawn, I went to the Ka‘aba, and I found Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, sitting by the black stone, and his companions sitting in a semi-circle before him. I walked towards them from behind him, and as I neared the gathering, he knew my intention, and he allowed his cloak to slip down his shoulders. I looked astonishingly, and I saw the seal of prophethood in-between his shoulder blades. I breathed a sigh of comfort, saying to myself, Allahu Akbar (surely Allah is the greatest), this is the first sign (my teacher told me about).”

“The following night, I did the same with my companions, so that they may not discover my plans, disapprove of my intention, or report me to our master. I also kept aside some dates, and at the time of I knew that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, met with his companions, I went to the Ka‘aba, and when I reached them, I gently placed the dates before him. He asked me, ‘What is that?’ I replied, ‘A charity!’ Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace then said to his companions, ‘Eat from it.’ However, he did not touch them. I again breathed a sigh of comfort, saying to myself, Allahu Akbar (surely Allah is the greatest), this is the second sign.”

“On the third night, I did the same with my companions, and again, I brought some dates to the gathering at the time when Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, gathered with his companions at the Ka‘aba. When I placed the dates before him, he again asked me, ‘What is this?’ I replied, ‘A gift!’ And he immediately reached to them and ate and the people did the same. Immediately I exclaimed, ‘I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that you are His messenger.’ ”

“After I sat there for a moment, Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, asked me to relate my story. When I told him what happened, he said to me, ‘Go and buy back your freedom.’ ”

Salmãn continued: “When I reached my companion, I said to him, ‘Sell me back my freedom!’ He replied, ‘Yes! I will give you back your freedom for the price of planting one hundred seedlings of date palm trees, and when I verify that they all took roots, and that they are free from disease, you also bring me the weight of a date pit in gold, and only then you may go free.’ ”

“I went back to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, and told him what the man said. He replied, ‘Give him what he asked you. Also, bring me a bucket of water from the well you will use to irrigate the plants.’ ”

“I immediately went to than man and made the deal following the conditions he stipulated, and I filled a bucket of water from a well in the plantation field, and took it to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, who prayed over the water. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ also asked the companions to hand me the needed seedlings, and I went back and planted the seedlings.”

Salmãn continued: “I swear by Almighty Allah that not a single seedling failed us, and as soon as the man verified that, I went back to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ and told him the same. He ﷺ then called upon the companions to bring him a piece of gold of the weight we agreed upon. Again, I immediately went to the man and placed the piece of gold in his scale. When he placed his measure on the other scale of the balance, my piece of gold seemed to weigh more, for nothing moved, and the man accepted the barter.”

“I brought back to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ the date pit that determined the conclusion of the deal, and he commented, ‘Even if you had agreed with him to give him the weight of such and such date pits, this piece would weigh more.’ ” “From that day on, I went to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace and stayed in his company.”

 

*****

It is commonly known that Salmãn al-Fãrisi’s story took place in Medina, the City of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, as supported by many prophetic traditions and accounts of the companions. The entire story can be found in the book Tãrikh Baghdãd, History of Baghdad. However, the above narration is reported hereinabove as I found it in the book of Imam al-Asfahãni, Hilyat’ul Awliya, and therefore I am following it with the next testimony, a variation of the same story as quoted and reported by different narrators, referring to a different gathering, and relating it, as told by Salmãn al- Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, and it reads as follows:

* Yazid bin Abi Habïb narrated, re al-Salam bin al-Salt al-‘Abdi, re Abi al-Tufail al-Bakri, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi told him: “I come from the city of Jai (Asbahan, Persia). One day, the Almighty Allah inspired my heart to ponder the question, ‘Who created the heavens and the earth?’

Hence, prompted by such concerns and inner quest, I sought an old man, I knew, who spoke little, and who kept a distance from people, out of self restraint. When I visited him, I asked him, ‘What is the best religion (way of life)?’ He replied, ‘Why would you want to talk about this subject? Are you seeking a religion other than that of your fathers?’ I cautiously answered: ‘No, I am not, but I would like to know, ‘Who created the heavens and the earth, and what is the best religion?’ The old man said to me, ‘To my knowledge, only one monk follows the true religion today and he lives in the city of Mosul, in Iraq.’ ”

“Hence, I traveled to Mosul, and I found the monk I was told to meet. Thereat, I stayed with him, and I worshiped what he worshiped. He was an old man, and he lived on little provisions. He fasted all his days, and he prayed all his nights. Approximately, three years later, at his deathbed, I asked him, ‘Who do you recommend me to go to?’ He replied, ‘I know of no one in the East who follows what I worship. Seek the company of a monk I knew, who lives at the edge of the (Arabian) peninsula, and give him my regards of peace.’ ”

“After he died, I traveled to where he told me, and I found the man he described. I conveyed to him the greetings of his brother, and I told him of his death. Thereat, I remained in his company for another three years, and again, at his deathbed, I requested him to guide me where to go after he dies. He replied, ‘I am not aware of any one on this earth today who worships what I worship except for a very old monk who lives in the region ‘Amoriya, in Philistine, and I am not sure whether he is still alive!’ ”

“After his death, again, I traveled to where I was told, and I found the man he described to me. Thereat, I stayed with him, and this time, he was comfortable financially. Later sometime, when he neared his death, I inquired from him, ‘Where do you want me to go after you die?’ He replied, ‘I am not aware of any living person today, who follows what I worship. However, if you happen to live in a time, when will appear a man from the descendants of the house of Abraham upon whom be peace, — and I am not sure whether you will live to meet him; — I myself have had a strong desire to live to meet him, however, if you should meet him, then follow him, for that is the way, the true religion. Among his signs, is that some of his people will label him a magician, an insane person, and a prognosticator; he accepts and eats from what is given to him as a gift, and he does not eat from charity; and you will see the seal of prophethood in-between his shoulders.’ ”

Salmãn continued: “I resided in my place for a while, and one day, a caravan of merchants from Medina arrived to our vicinity. I asked them, ‘Who are you?’ They replied, ‘We are merchants. We make a living from trading. However, there appeared a man from the descendants of Abraham, and he migrated to Medina, and the entire city is under his control. As a result, his people have declared war against him and his followers, and we feared for our livelihood, and therefore, we decided to seek shelter and safety somewhere else.’ ”

“I asked, ‘What are they saying about him?’ The merchants replied, ‘They say that he is a magician, an insane person, and a prognosticator!’ I said to myself, ‘These are his signs.’ I further asked, ‘Who is the head of this caravan, would you please guide me to him?’ When I came before the leader of the caravan, I requested him, ‘Would you please take me to Medina?’ He replied, ‘What would you pay me?’ I said, ‘I have nothing to give you, but if you agree to carry me there, I will be indebted to you, and I will be your slave.’ The man accepted the barter, and he brought me to Medina, where he placed me to work for him at a date plantation he owned, and I worked there very hard. I seldom had any food, and I mostly lived on water, just like cattle, until the bones of my back protruded, and I could see my pectoral bones. I did not know Arabic then, and no one understood my Persian tongue in that place.”

“One day, an old woman of Persian origin came by the date plantation to get some water. When I spoke to her in my mother tongue, she understood me, and as we chatted a little, I asked her, ‘Where is that man that appeared lately? Would you please point him out to me?’ She replied, ‘He usually passes by here after the dawn prayers, or sometime in the early part of the day.’ ”

Salmãn continued: “The next day, I gathered some dates, and I waited for him. As he passed, I followed him (to the mosque), where he sat amidst his companions. I then presented him with the dates, and he asked me, ‘What is it? Is it a charity or a gift?’ I understood what he meant, and I made a gesture pointing out that it is a charity. He immediately said, ‘Give it to these people sitting here.’ As I did, I said to myself, ‘This is one of his signs!’ The next morning, I brought another measure of dates and placed them before him. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, asked again, ‘What is it?’ I hastened to say, ‘A gift!’ He ﷺ ate one, and he called his companions to share them with him. He then saw me stealthily attempting to look over his shoulders. He recognized my intention, and he allowed his cloak to drop below his shoulders. When I saw what I saw, I jumped out of my place, I kissed him all over, and I held tight to him. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, then asked me, ‘What do you want?’ And after I told him my story, he said, ‘You sold yourself to these people and chose the condition of slavery (to come here), and now, you must go to them, and buy back your freedom.’ ”

* Sulaimãn al-Taymi narrated, re Abu ‘Uthmãn al-Nahdi, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “I served a dozen of masters in turn.”

* Al-A‘amash narrated, re Abu Sufyãn, re Jãbir, that Sa‘ad visited Salmãn during an illness, and said to him: “Be happy O Abu Abdullãh, (that is Salmãn’s patronym)! Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, passed away pleased with you.” Salmãn replied: “How is that O Sa‘ad? I heard Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, say, ‘Suffice yourselves in this world with as little provisions* as a traveler carries on a short journey.’ ” *(Arb. bulgha, i.e., leather slippers) * In his narration of the above account, Sa‘ïd bin al- Musayyib, may Allah be pleased with him said that Salmãn added: “Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, entrusted us with a promise which none of us fulfilled. He said, Suffice yourselves in this world with as little provisions as a traveler carries on a short journey,’ and none of us followed his advice.”

* In another narration of the above account, Abu Mu’ãwiya narrated, re al-A‘amash, re Abu Sufyãn, re his elders (Arb. pl. mashãyikh) that Sa‘ad bin Abi Waqqãs visited Salmãn during his illness where Salmãn cried. Sa‘ad inquired: “Why would you cry when you will soon reunite with your beloved companions, you will see and drink from the Pond (of eternal satisfaction) of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, and when you know that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, passed away pleased with you!” Salmãn replied: “I am not crying in fear of death, nor I am attached to this world, but I just remembered Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, saying, ‘Suffice yourselves in this world with as little provisions as a traveler carries on a short journey.’ I just looked around me, and I saw all these comfort pillows surrounding me, and that made me cry!” Sa‘ad bin Abi Waqqãs, may Allah be pleased with him, continued: “In fact, when I looked around, I could only see a timeworn washing basin near him!” Sa‘ad then asked him: “Advise us O Abu Abdullãh. We will make a covenant which we promise not to break after you pass.” Salmãn replied: “Remember your Lord when you endeavor something, remember Him when you judge something, and remember Him when you raise your hand to pledge something.”

* Mawriq al-‘Ajali narrated that after Salmãn’s death, they searched his house, and found no more than a day’s provision for a single person, a saddle blanket, a couple of cooking utensils, and no more than twenty dirhams.”

* ‘Abdullãh, son of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, re Ja‘afar, re Hishãm, that al-Hassan, may Allah be pleased with him said: “Salmãn was commissioned to lead about thirty thousand men, and he was given a salary of five thousand dirhams, most of which he distributed in charity. Once he had spent his wage, he never solicited more. His light infrequent meal sometimes did not exceed more than a handful of dates or grains, and he lived a modest life. Salmãn had a single oversized timeworn cloak which he rolled up and held by hand to ease his movement, and when he delivered a sermon, half of it was hung over his shoulders, and he stood on the other half.”

* ‘Abdul A‘alã bin Abi al-Masãwir narrated, re ‘Akramah, that al-Hãrith bin ‘Umaira said: “I once went to the marketplace in the city and met some friends with whom I chatted a little. Somewhere within the range of my view, I noticed a man wearing an old worn garment, and he was sitting in front of his house, busy wielding a red leather belt. When he perceived that I noticed him, he looked at me, nodded his head, and he made a gesture with his hand, saying, ‘O servant of Allah, wait where you are!’ I stood up immediately and asked my friends, ‘Who is that man?’ They replied, ‘This is Salmãn!’ At the same moment, the man went inside his house, and a few moments later, he came out wearing a clean white robe, and he cheerfully hastened towards me, shook hands with me, and asked me how am I doing? I was in shock, and I said to him, ‘O servant of Allah, who are you? You and me have never met before, nor do we know each other! What do you want?’ Salmãn replied, ‘But of course! I swear by him Who holds the destiny of my life, as soon as I saw you, my soul recognized your soul. Are you not al-Hãrith bin ‘Umaira?’ I said in amazement, (expecting him to explain himself), ‘Indeed!’ He continued, ‘I heard Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, say, › Souls are loyal soldiers. Among them, those who recognize the sovereignty of Allah will know one another and live in harmony; while those that negate the sovereignty of Allah, will disagree and be indifferent towards one another. ¤ ”

* Musa al-Jahni narrated, re Zaid bin Wahab, that ‘Atiyya bin ‘Ãmer said: “Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, was once invited to a meal, (and as a gesture of pleasure in hospitality), the host, earnestly insisted on forcing Salmãn to eat more, Salmãn pulled out, and excusing himself he said, ‘Enough for me! That is enough food for me. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace once said to me, › People who eat their fill in this world, will be the most hungry in the hereafter. O Salmãn, this world is a confinement for the believer, and it is heaven for the disbeliever. ¤ ”

* ‘Abdullãh, son of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, re Abu Sãlih bin al-Hakam bin Musa, re Dhumra, re Shawthab, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, used to regularly shave his head, and when someone asked him about it, he replied, ‘Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace, said, › True life* is that of the hereafter. ¤ ” *(i.e., Comfort and pleasure in life)

* Habïb bin al-Shahïd narrated that he heard ‘Abdullãh bin Buraida say: “Salmãn used to earn his livelihood by working with his hands, and when he earned some money, he used to buy meat, or fish, and invite the deprived ones to share in his meal.”

* Abu Ghaffãr narrated, Abu ‘Uthmãn al-Nahdi, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “I like to earn my livelihood from my own sweat, working with my own hands.”

* ‘Abdullãh al-Ansãri narrated, re Sulaimãn at-Teemi, re Abu ‘Uthmãn, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “If only people know how much help Allah grants the weak, they would never take pleasure in showing off the excess Allah endowed them with.”

* ‘Abdullãh bin Siwãr narrated, re Hammãd bin Salma, re Thãbit al-Banãni, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, had the intention to betroth a woman from the Tribe of Bani Leeth, and he took Abu Dardã’ with him to ask for her hand in marriage. When they arrived to her house, Salmãn waited outside, and Abu Dardã’ sought permission, and entered to speak on his behalf. Abu Dardã’ spoke highly of Salmãn al- Fãrisi, his illustrious qualities, and his early acceptance of Islam, he then informed the family of Salmãn’s intention. The girl’s father replied, ‘We do not wish to give our daughter in marriage to Salmãn, but we will give her to you!’ Hence, Abu Dardã’ came out of the house married to the girl.” “When Abu Dardã’ came out of the house, he said to Salmãn: ‘Something happened there, and I am ashamed to tell you!’ Salmãn asked, ‘what is it, why where you there so long?’ When Abu Dardã’ told him the story, Salmãn congratulated him and commented, ‘I should be ashamed of myself before you for seeking to betroth a woman; Allah has destined her to marry you!’ ”

* ‘Abdullãh narrated, re his father, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, re Ismail bin Ibrahim, re Muhammad bin ‘Abdu-Rahmãn al-Tafãwi, re Abi Qalãba, that a man visited Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, and saw him kneading a dough for making bread. The man said surprisingly, ‘What are you doing?’ Salmãn replied, ‘I sent my helper in an errand, and I hated to impose two jobs on him in the same day.’ The man then said, ‘I bring you the regards of so and so.’ Salmãn asked, ‘When did you arrive?’ The man replied, ‘It has been some time since I arrived to this town!’ Salmãn then said, ‘To convey someone’s greeting is a trust, and should one fail to deliver it, he will be asked about it on the Day of Judgment.’ ”

* Muhammad bin ‘Abdullãh al-Hadrami narrated, re Yahyã bin Ibrahim, re al-A‘amash, re al-Bakhtari, that al-Ash‘as Ibn Qays and Jurair bin ‘Abdullãh al-Bajali came to see Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, and after greeting him, and one of them asked: “Are you Salmãn al-Fãrisi?” He replied: “I am!” The man said: “Are you the bosom companion of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace?” Salmãn replied: “I do not know!” The two men became suspicious, and they said to one another: “May be he is not the man we are looking for?” Hearing that, Salmãn said: “I am the man you are looking for, and indeed, I have seen Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace and I sat with him. However, his true companion should be someone who will enter paradise with him on the Day of Judgment. Now, tell me what do you need?” They replied: “We were sent by one of your brothers who lives in Syria to see you.” Salmãn asked: “Who is it?” They replied: “Abu Dardã’ ” Salmãn then asked: “Then where is the gift he sent me with you?” The two men said: “He did not send anything!” Salmãn continued insisting and pressuring the two men: “Fear God, and deliver the trust. No one has ever visited me, coming from his side, except carrying a gift from him to me.” They replied: “Do not accuse us of such allegation. If you do not trust us, here is our merchandise, keep it in your custody until you receive news from him.” Salmãn said: “I have nothing to do with your merchandise. Just give me the gift my brother has sent me with you!” The men replied: “We swear by Almighty Allah U, he did not send you any gift with us. He just said that ‘there is a man who lives in your city, and whenever Allah’s Messenger ﷺ upon whom be peace sat with him, he did not wish that anyone else join them. Hence, when you find him, please convey to him my regards of peace.’ Salmãn then said: “What a better gift did you want me to expect you to carry from my brother? And is there a gift better than the regards of peace — a bounteous and a blessed salutation from Allah?”

* Al-A‘amash narrated, re al-‘Alã’ bin Badr, re Abu Nahïk, that ‘Abdullãh bin Hanzala said: “We once joined a campaign lead by Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him. One evening, we were sitting listening to a recital from Suratu Maryam (Qur’an; Mary, Chapter XIX), and someone in the audience became upset to the point that he insulted her and her son! We immediately jumped at him and hit him without petty. The man went to Salmãn, the commander of the army, and complained about us. Immediately, Salmãn came to see us, and he said, ‘Why did you people beat this man?’ We replied, ‘We were reading Suratu Maryam, and he insulted her and her son!’ Salmãn said: ‘And why do have to challenge people’s feelings? Have you not heard Allah, the Lord of Majesty and Glory’s saying, › Do not insult those who call upon lords besides Allah, thus causing to insult Allah in ignorance, and without knowledge (of what they are doing). ¤ (Qur’an 6:108) Salmãn then added, ‘O Arabs! Did you not, at one time, uphold the most evil, so called, religious practices, humanity has ever known? And did you not, at one time, live below most standards, humanity has ever known? And is it not true, that, later on, Allah has blessed you (with Islam), and honored you with His gifts? How dare you are now to raise the might of Allah against other people, an authority He alone disposes of? I swear by Almighty Allah U that either you stop such (unwarranted) provocations, or expect Allah U, the Lord of Majesty and Glory, to strip you of His gifts, and hand them over to other nations.’ ” Hanzala continued: “Salmãn then taught us the correct Islamic stance towards other faiths, and he said, ‘Join your two nightly prayers (Maghrib and ‘Isha) by regularly reading the Qur’an in-between them. By doing so, a man renders his reckoning easy on the day of judgment, and (by occupying himself in reading the Qur’an during such times), he can spare himself any nonsense associated with gatherings at the early part of the evening. For indeed, inequities in the beginning of the night can beget havoc at the end of it.’ ”

* ‘Abdullãh narrated, re his father, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, re Yahyã bin Ãdam, re Yazid bin ‘Abd-ul ‘Aziz, re al-A‘amash, that Huthaifa once said to Salmãn, may Allah be pleased with both of them: “O Abu ‘Abdullãh, let me build a house for you?” Salmãn looked at Huthaifa and showed a degree of despise towards the suggestion. Huthaifa realized what happened, and he further explained himself, saying: “Slow down. Let me explain myself. I meant to build you a house, wherein, your head will lay at one end, and your feet at the other, and when you wish to raise your head, it will hit the ceiling.” Salmãn (having understood it to mean a grave, he) replied: “You seem to have read my mind!”

* ‘Abdullãh bin Muhammad bin Ja‘afar narrated, re ‘Abdu Rahmãn bin Muhammad bin Sãlem, re Hanã’ bin al-Sirri, re Mu‘ãwiya bin al-A‘amash, re Abi Zabyãn, re Jurair, that Salmãn said to him: “O Jurair! Do you know what is darkness on the day of resurrection?” Jurair replied: “Nay, I do not know!” Salmãn said: “On the day of resurrection, darkness will represent injustices people incur against one another in this world.” Salmãn then took a tiny straw, he closed his fist on it, and said: “You cannot even find a straw like this in the garden of paradise!” Jurair shook and said: “O Abu ‘Abdullãh! Then what about the palm trees* among others?” *(i.e., described in the prophetic traditions.) Salmãn replied: “(The trees of paradise are created of different substances.) Their roots and trunks are created of pearls and gold, and their fruits blossom at the top.”

* ‘Abdullãh narrated, re his father, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, re Abi Wakï’, re al-A‘amash, re Shamru bnu ‘Atiyya, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “On the day of judgment, the most sinful people are those who cater to confabulations and sinful conversations in this world.”

* Al-Thawri narrated, re Abi Ishãq, re Hãritha bin Madrab, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “I (sometimes) count the leftover bones, in fear of falsely suspecting my servant (of stealing).”

* Al-A‘amash narrated, re ‘Ubaid bin Abi al-Ja‘ad, that a man from the Tribe of Ashja’ said: “The people of the city of Madã’in, Iraq, once heard that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, was praying at the mosque. Within a short time, nearly one thousand man came to meet Salmãn, and everyone felt a special honor in being there, and every one took pleasure in greeting him, sitting in his company, and aspired to hear him talk. Salmãn was overwhelmed with their welcome, and he kept on humbly asking them to sit down! When everyone finally sat down, and the atmosphere was favorable, Salmãn opened the Qur’an, and he started reading them from Surat Yusuf (Qur’an; Joseph, Chapter XII). Slowly, slowly, the crowd started to break up, and they trickled down to about a hundred man. When he saw that, Salmãn became upset, and he addressed the people saying, ‘Have you come to hear flowery or ornate opinions or what? And here when I read you from Allah’s book, you left?’ ” In another narration of the above account, al-Thawri quoted Salmãn al-Fãrisi; may Allah be pleased with him, to have said: “Have you come to hear an ornate talk or what? Do you only sit down if you hear a verse from this chapter, mixed with a verse from that chapter, or else you leave? …”

* Al-A‘amash narrated, re ‘Amru bnu Murra, re al- Bakhtari, that a man once said to Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, and said: “What great and kind hosts are people today! By God, whenever I visit one of them, he make me feel as though I am staying with my own father’s son.” Salmãn replied: “O my brother’s son. This is most natural. It is the remarkable achievement and the legacy of faith. Don’t you see, when you first load an animal with merchandise, it wants to move at once! In the beginning of the journey it embarks with speed and assiduity, and when the journey is too long it slows down!”

* ‘Atã bin al-Sã‘ib narrated, re Abi al-Bakhtari, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “There are two sides to every human being, inner and outer. When one corrects his inner disposition, Allah will make his outer being look more beautiful, and when one subverts his inner being with sins, Allah will make his outer being look contemptible.”

* Jarïr narrated, re al-A‘amash, re Salmãn bin Maisara, re Tãriq bin Shahãb, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, once delivered a talk, during which he said: “Once upon a time, two travelers journeyed together, and one of them entered hell-fire because of a fly, and the second entered paradise because of a fly.” People inquired: “How did this happen?” Salmãn replied: “In times past, two men journeyed together. On their way, they had to pass by a group of people who worshiped they placed at the junction of the road, and they imposed on every passerby to make an offering to their deity. When the two men arrived at that junction, the idol worshippers said to one of the traveling men, ‘Make an offering to our deity!’ One of the men replied, ‘I have nothing to offer!’ They said, ‘You can offer even a fly!’ Hence, the man caught a fly, sacrificed it before their deity, and he entered hell-fire (because of his doing). The idol worshippers were pleased with him, and when they required the same thing from his companion, he replied, ‘I do not offer anything before anyone besides Almighty Allah.’ The idol worshippers became angry, and they killed him, and thus, he entered paradise (because of his faith).”

* Jarïr narrated, re Sulaimãn al-Teemi, re Abu ‘Uthmãn, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, once said: “Even should a man spend all his nights freeing slaves from bondage, yet, one who spends his nights in reciting the Qur’an and celebrating Allah’s praises (zikr) is in a higher station.”

* Yahyã al-Qattãn, re Sulaimãn al-Teemi, narrated a similar saying by Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “Even should a man spend his entire night fighting the enemies, yet one who spends his night in reciting the Qur’an and celebrating Allah’s beautiful attributes (zikr) receives a better reward.”

* Laith narrated, re ‘Uthmãn, re Zãthãn, that Salmãn al- Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “When Allah, the most exalted, requires one of His creation to suffer the consequences of his sins, or should Allah decrees the adverse outcome and destruction of one of His creation because of his evil actions, He deprives him of modesty and correctness, so that whenever you see him, he looks contemptible and depressing. Once he become contemptible, mercy will be taken out of his heart, and once he becomes merciless, he becomes callous and ruthless. Once he becomes ruthless, he will be stripped off trustworthiness, hence, whenever you meet him, he looks unworthy of trust and a traitor. Once he become thus, his face will lose the radiant beauty of Islam, and he then becomes damned, abominable, and accursed.”

* Wakï’ narrated, re Muhammad bin Qays, re Salam bin ‘Atiyya al-Asadi, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, once visited a dying man, and he prayed: “O angel, be compassionate and kind towards him!” The dying man turned to Salmãn and said: “The angel of death have asked me to tell you that he is most compassionate and kind towards every believer.”

* Abu Ishãq narrated that Aows bin Dham‘aj said: “We asked Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, to teach us (supererogatory religious) instructions, he replied, ‘Greet everyone with the regards of peace, share your food with others, and pray (at night) when people are asleep.’ ”

(i.e., Greeting everyone with the regards of peace will spread unity; inviting people to share one’s food will spread love, affection, and mutual satisfaction; and, praying at night when people are asleep will promote one’s own spiritual excellence, and bring him closer to his Lord).

* Abu Sulaimãn al-Teemi narrated, re Abi ‘Uthmãn, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Should a single Muslim man find himself alone in a desert land, at a great distance from his home, and when he takes his ritual ablution, or substitutes that with a ritual tayammum, then should he call out to prayers, and then enter the sacrament of devotion, there he will be leading myriads of angels in prayers, one’s sight cannot behold the horizon where they end!”

* ‘Abdullãh, son of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, Mus‘ab bnu ‘Abdillãh, re Mãlik bin Anas, re Yahyã bin Sa‘ïd that Abu Dardã’ once sent a letter to Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with both of them, wherein he wrote: ‘Come to the blessed (holy) land!’ In his reply, Salmãn wrote, ‘… A land does not make one holy, but good deeds are what render the human being holy.” Salmãn also wrote in his letter: “I am told that you have become a physician. If in fact you are able to cure people’s illnesses, then enjoy the blessings. Otherwise, if you merely self-profess such degree of medical knowledge and dexterity, then beware that should you accidentally kill someone with your diagnosis (or prescribed medication), you will enter hell-fire (for murdering another human being).”

* Al-A‘amash narrated, re ‘Amru Bnu Murra, re Abi al- Bakhtari, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The parable of the heart and the body is like that of a blind man who lives with a disabled man. The disabled man said to the blind man, ‘I see a fruit nearby but I cannot go to on my own, carry me there, and I will guide you to it.’ The blind man did what he was told, and when they reached the fruit, they both ate from it.”

* Muhammad bin Ka‘ab narrated, re al-Mughïra bnu ‘Abdu-Rahmãn that Salmãn al-Fãrisi met ‘Abdullãh bin Salãm, may Allah be pleased with both of them, and in the course of their conversation, Salmãn said, ‘Should you die before me, then come and tell me about your findings, and should I die before you, I will let you know what I find.’ Salmãn died first, and ‘Abdullãh bin Salãm saw him in a dream, and asked him, ‘O Abu ‘Abdullãh, how are you doing?’ Salmãn replied, ‘I am well.’ ‘Abdullãh bin Salãm further asked, ‘What is most rewarding in the hereafter as the best of deeds?’ Salmãn replied, ‘I found it most phenomenal the reward of reliance and unswerving dependence (tawakkul) upon Almighty Allah (for all of one’s needs).’ ”

* Sulaimãn al-Teemi narrated, re Abi ‘Uthmãn, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, was once talking about the story of the wife of Pharaoh, Ãsiya, who died from torture at the hand of her husband, because of her faith in Almighty Allah I and the truth of the messengership of her adopted son, Moses upon whom be peace. He said: “During the torture the wife of Pharaoh suffered at the hand of her prosecutors, the angels covered her with their wings, and she was able to see her abode in paradise.” (In another narration, it is reported that during her torture, Ãsiya looked up and smiled, and whatever physical torture descended upon her, it felt painless, and that boggled the minds of her torturers.)

* ‘Abdullãh bin Muhammad bin Sherway narrated, re Ishãq bin Rahway, re Jurair, re Sulaimãn al-Teemi, re Abu ‘Uthmãn, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Two lions were starved out (by Nemrod), and they were sent to Allah’s bosom friend, Abraham upon whom be peace, but when they reached him, the two lions, lovingly licked him and prostrated themselves before him.”

* Abu Na‘ïm narrated, re ‘Abdu-Salãm bin Harb, re ‘Atã bin al-Sã‘ib, re Abi al-Bakhtari, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, once acquired a female servant from Persian descent. He spoke to her in Persian, saying: “Offer Almighty Allah even a single prostration!” She replied: “I do not prostrate to anyone.” Someone asked Salmãn: “What would a single prostration benefit her, O Abu ‘Abdullãh?” Salmãn replied: “Each link is an important part of a chain. Perhaps should this woman accept to offer a single prostration before Almighty Allah I this may lead her to regularly engage in offering the five times prayers. In fact, one who has a share in (the blessings of) Islam, is not like someone who has none of it.”

* Al-A‘amash narrated, re ‘Ammãra, re Sa‘ïd bin Wahab, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, visited a friend from Kinda, Persia, who was ill. In the course of their conversation, Salmãn said to his friend: “When Almighty Allah tries His faithful servant with adversities, and then cures him, the servant’s sufferings become atonement for his sins, and his reckoning on the Day of Judgment will consist of censure. On the other hand, when Allah U blessed is His Name, tries a brazen insolent servant with adversity, and then cures him, the latter becomes like a pack animal who is hobbled by his owners and later on released, yet the burro does not fathom why did his owners release him, or why did they hobble him to begin with.”

* Safwãn bnu ‘Amru narrated, re Abu Sa‘ïd al-Wahbi, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The parable of a believer in this world is like that of a patient under the direct supervision of his physician. The physician knows the patient’s illness and cure. Should the patient desire a variety of food that otherwise would harm his recovery, the physician will say to him, ‘Do not touch this food, if you do, it will kill you.’ Hence, the physician will keep advising his convalescing patient until he fully recovers. Like that, a believer may desire many comforts in this world, some of which, Allah, blessed is His holy Name, has availed as worldly favors bestowed upon other than His particular servant. Hence, Almighty Allah U prevents His servant from many desirable comforts, and He prevents him from reaching them in this world, and until He takes him back unto Himself, and lets him enter the paradise of eternal comfort.”

* ‘Abdullãh, son of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, re Kathir bin Hishãm, re Ja‘afar bin Barqãn, that Salmãn al-Fãrisi رضيَ الله عنه may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Three things make me laugh, and three things make me cry. I laugh at someone who stretches his hopes in this world, being unmindful of death which is steadily seeking to end his life. I laugh at someone who is heedless, although unaware that Allah is not unmindful of him. And finally, I laugh at someone who grins from ear to ear, unaware whether his loud laughter is pleasing to his Lord, or whether it is incurring His wrath. On the other hand, I cry for missing the fellowship of Muhammad ﷺ and his companions. I cry when I think about a man experiencing the throes of death, and his grief and agony with his overwhelming newly unveiled encounter. And finally, I cry when I think about the standing up before Almighty Allah جل جلاله blessed is His Name, on the day of reckoning, not knowing whether I will be thrusted into hell-fire, or let to enter paradise!”

HIS DEATH

* Muhammad bin ‘Abdullãh al-Hadrami narrated, re Abu Hishãm al-Rifã‘i, re Musa bin Shaibãn, that Baqirah, the wife of Salmãn al-Fãrisi, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “When death approached Salmãn, he was staying in a room on the second floor of the house. His room had four doors, one facing each direction. He called me and said, ‘O Baqirah, today I am having special guests who are neither jin nor humans. Leave all the doors wide open, for I do not know which of the doors they will enter.’ ” The wife continued: “Salmãn then asked me to bring some powdered musk, mix it in water, and sprinkle it around his bed. When I did so, he said to me,‘ Go downstairs now and wait there, when you come up later, you will find me on my bed.’ ” She continued: “I did what he asked me to do, and later on, when I went to see him, I found him laying in his bed, his soul had departed, and he looked at peace, just like someone resting.”

*****

Al-faqir ila Rahmati Rabbihi

Shaykh Muhammad Al-Akili

الزاوية العقيلية العمرية

Zawiya Fellowship

Cambridge, ON

Excerpts from Beauty of the Righteous and Ranks of the Elite

Published by Pearl Publishing House 1996

© 2013 Zawiya Fellowship 

March 18, 2013 –  6 Jumada Al-Awwal 1434