Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari (RadhiAllaahu anh)

As the Muslims marched forward to the battle of Tabuk in order to fight the Romans, many weak souls remained behind. These consisted mainly of hypocrites who scoffed at the Prophet (sallAllahu 3layhi wasSalaam) and his Companions (RadhiAllaahu anh) for marching forth in the heat. During their march, the Muslims noticed that Abu Dharr (RA) was not among them, and so they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, Abu Dharr has remained behind; his riding camel has slowed him down.”

The Prophet (sallAllahu 3layhi wasSalaam) said: “Leave him, for if he has goodness in him, Allaah will make him catch up with you. And if he is otherwise, then Allaah has disburdened you of him.”

The Muslim army thus continued its march without pause; meanwhile, Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari (RadhiAllaahu anh) was trying to prod his riding camel to move faster, but his attempts in vain. And so he took his things, carried them on his back, and followed the tracks of the Prophet (sallAllahu 3layhi wasSalaam) and his Companions (RadhiAllaahu anh). When from a distance the Muslims saw the rising of dust, a sign that a man was approaching, they said,

“O Messenger of Allaah, this indeed is a man who is walking all by himself on the road.” The Prophet (sallAllahu 3layhi wasSalaam) said expectantly, “Be Abu Dharr!” When the man came nearer and the people were able to discern his features, they said, “By Allaah, he is Abu Dharr, O Messenger of Allaah.”

The Prophet (sallAllahu 3layhi wasSalaam) said: “May Allaah have mercy un Abu Dharr: he walks alone, he will die alone, and he will be resurrected alone.”

Al-Baihaqi in Dala'il 221, Ibn Asakir 70/157 and Ahmad 5/166