Abuzar was a truthful, strong and pious disciple, who from the outset of his conversion to Islam till the last moment of his life, didn't stray from the Path of Truth. He fought against oppression and fully supported Prophethood and Vilayah and was among the first people to convert to Islam. In fact, he was the 4th or 5th person to become Muslim and because of this he is considered among the "most eminent in Islam.” 1 He was the first person in Mecca to make his conversion public and with his distinct manner aired his belief in the ‘Oneness of Allah' near to the Holy Ka’ba.2
The Messenger of God (SAW) praised Abuzar and said to him: "May Allah bless you, O Abuzar! Truly, you live alone, die alone, rise alone and enter heaven alone! Fortunate and amongst the delivered are those who will attend the ceremonial washing of your body after your death and your burial. The sky has cast no shadow and the earth received not one more truthful than you.” "Abuzar you are truly one of the Ahl ul-Bait so love my Ahl ul-Bait, those whom God keeps away from indecent actions and wickedness and purified them a unique purification.” 3
The clairvoyance and insight of the Prophet (SAW) after his death, was confirmed for all because Abuzar, in the midst of the storm of events and dark political circumstances, among more than 100,000 persons in Ghadir-e-Khum, stood up like a strong cedar, a vigilant vanguard and had a revolutionary, penetrating and influential presence. He was not at all deterred by the conditions and polluted atmosphere of allure and intimidation by money and force.4
Abuzar from the very beginning of his move towards the Prophet (SAW), had witnessed the accompaniment of Imam Ali (AS) by the side of the Prophet (SAW), who at the time was a youngster, and he was also quite aware of Hazrat Fatima's (SA) diligent endeavor in the course of the Prophetic mission of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Therefore, he had faith based on recognition and insight regarding the Prophet (SAW) and his chaste household. So when silver and gold coins of leaders of Medina and Syria discreetly were sent to him, his only answer was: "I have a loaf of oat bread which can see me through for a few days. With the Vilayat of Imam Ali (AS) and his chaste relatives, I feel no need for others.” 5
On another occasion he decisively defended Hazrat Fatima (SA) and cried out loud: "Truly because of Ali’s (AS) Vilayat and his family, who call everyone to truth and justice and who are men of guidance and justice, I feel richer than most people. I learnt about Ali (AS) and his family’s characteristics from the Prophet (SAW)... Hence, Ali (AS) is very truthful, most pious and the distinguisher between good and evil after the Prophet of God (SAW). He is ‘Amirul-Muminin' - Leader of the Faithful and wealth of the under privileged people.” 6
Abuzar and Hazrat Fatima (SA):
Abuzar’s relentless faith, thunderous cries and forceful protection of Fatima (SA), in the midst of her pain and nostalgia were the soothing remedy for her burning wounds, especially whenever his deep perception and clear recognition led him to take a decisive stand against secularism and worldliness. It seemed that Abuzar echoed Zahra's (SA) truthful thoughts.
It has been mentioned from Abuzar that: "O Allah! I love Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain, even if I am dismembered for the sake of their love, I would follow this path until I meet You and in following this path I seek Your satisfaction.” 7
Fatima (SA) in return, held Abuzar in high regard and at opportune moments praised him and introduced him as a confidante of the Household of Prophethood and Imamate. One day she mentioned her meeting with three beautiful, jovial and perfumed girls, who were Houris of Heaven and devotees of Hazrat Zahra (SA). She inquired their names. While introducing themselves, the second girl called Zorat said that God had intended her for Abuzar.8
Imam Ja'far as- Sadiq (AS) said that my grandmother Hazrat Fatima (SA) said to Imam Ali (AS):
"Upon my death, don't inform anyone but Umme Salama and Fizza among the women and in addition to my two sons, Hassan and Hussain, inform Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, Salman Farsi, Ammar, Abuzar and Huzaifah among men." 9
Foot Notes:
1- As Safuh Men as Sahabah wa Shakirin, Hussein Ash Shakeri, Vol. 1. p. 67-115.
2- Ibid, p. 68 & 69.
3- Sharhul Akhbar fi Fazael ul Aematal Athar (AS), p. 502,
4- Tarikh At Tabari, Vol. 4, P. 283.
5- Naqd ar Rejal, Vol. 1, p.77.
6- Al Majalis As Saniah, Vol. 1, p. 243-245.
7- Aayan Ash Shi'a, Vol. 16, p. 319-321.
8- Rayahin Ash Shariah, Vol. 1, p. 135.
9- Tarikh at Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 30 & Kefatu Talib, p.225.