Our Model of Austerity: Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari {R}

“When you are not greedy for this world, Allah {SWT} loves you, and when you don’t desire what people have, they love you.”—Ibn Majah

Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari was one of the companions of the prophet {S} noted for his austerity and truthfulness. One day, he said: 

“My provisions and savings during the time of the noble Prophet {S} had always been three kilograms of dates. As long as I live, I shall never seek to possess more than this quantity.”

‘Ata says: I noticed Abu Dharr offering prayers in an old garment. “O’ Abu Dharr! Don’t you have a better garment?” I asked him.

“If I had one, you would have seen me in it,” he replied.

“But for a period, I had seen you with two outfits,” I said.

“I gave the other one to my nephew, who was in greater need than me.”

“By Allah {SWT}! You are needy yourself,” I exclaimed.

He raised his head towards the sky and implored, “Indeed! O’ Lord! I am in need of Your forgiveness.”

He then turned to me and continued:

“It appears that you have come to regard this world as something very important and significant.

In addition to this garment that you see on me at present…

I have one more garment which is exclusive for the mosque…

Some goats which provide me with milk, a wooden case in which I carry my belongings…

And a wife who relieves me from the troubles of cooking…

What bounty could be greater than what I possess?” Allahu Akbar!

Some people asked Abu Dharr:

“Do you not desire to purchase properties for yourself as the others have done for themselves?”

“What need do I have to become an aristocrat?” he replied.

“A drink of milk and water every day and a (small) amount of wheat in a week are quite sufficient for me!”

This amazing man of truth should be one of our role models as Muslims because the Prophet {S} said: 

“The earth has not carried and the sky has not shaded a man truer than Abu Dharr.”—Ahmad

May Allah {SWT} grant us true understanding. Aameen

Reference: Paighambar Wa Yaran