Upon hearing Ali’s (a.

Upon hearing Ali’s (a.s.) fairness in distributing the money, my father began to weep and said to me, “My son, you have witnessed the most excellent person from amongst the people.”[^4] A’di Ibn Haatim A’di, the son of the well-known Haatim Taai, was one of the sincere and loyal companions of Amirul Mu'mineen (a.s.). From the year 10 A.H. when he accepted Islam, A’di had always remained in the service of the Imam (a.s.), and had fought alongside him in the battles of Jamal, Siffeen and Nahrawaan.

In the battle of Jamal he sustained an injury to one of his eyes as a result of which he lost his vision. Once he came to Mua'wiyah for some purpose. Mua’wiyah asked him why he had not brought his sons with him. “They were killed while fighting alongside Amirul Mu'mineen (a.s.),” he replied. “Ali has not been just to you, for he sent your sons to be killed while he has kept his own sons alive!” said Mua’wiyah.

A’di retorted, “(On the contrary) I have not done justice to Ali for he has been killed, whereas I am still alive. O’ Mua'wiyah! Our rage towards you still smoulders in our hearts. Do know that (the pain of) having our throats slit or the agony of death is easier for us to bear than hearing bad comments about Ali (a.s.).” ^5 The Fairness of Abu Dharr On the way towards the battle of Tabuk[^6], Abu Dharr fell behind the army because he was mounted on a slow animal.

When the others realized this, they notified the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), who said: “If he possesses goodness in him, God shall make him reach you.” Meanwhile, Abu Dharr, disappointed with his animal, dismounted and proceeded on foot. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) found a convenient place and had decided to pitch the tents, when one of the Muslims shouted that there was someone in the distance approaching them. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) prayed: O’ Lord! May it be Abu Dharr!

The others informed him that it was indeed Abu Dharr. The Prophet supplicated: May Allah forgive Abu Dharr! He travels alone, shall die alone and shall be resurrected alone. He then asked the people to provide Abu Dharr with some water, as he appeared to be thirsty. But when Abu Dharr arrived in his presence, the Prophet (s.a.w.) observed that he had a container of water in his possession, and so asked him, “Abu Dharr! You had water with you and yet you remained thirsty?” “Yes!

O’ Prophet of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you! On the way, I was overcome by thirst. I reached a place where there was some water.