That is why the Holy Prophet said...

That is why the Holy Prophet said; "Abu Dharr is the most truthful of this nation". He said at another place, "Abu Dharr is like Prophet Isa (Jesus) in asceticism". According to a tradition he said, "One who wants to see the austerity and modesty of Isa should look at Abu Dharr”. It is obvious that the worship of a divine like Abu Dharr was not limited to ritual prayers only. He had practical proficiency in all the forms of worship.

It is undeniable that to think over the existence of Allah and His creations is also a great worship. Abu Dharr was accomplished in this worship too. Historians and traditionalists are unanimous that Abu Dharr had attained to the great degree of knowledge and it was because he acquired knowledge very sincerely in the company of the Holy Prophet. He put questions to the Prophet all the time and learnt his answers by heart. He had become well-versed in knowledge in his company.

The author of "Kitabud Darajatur Rafi'ah" says that Abu Dharr was reckoned in the rank of great scholars and austeres and held a distinctive rank in scholarship. He was a senior companion of the Prophet, was one of those great persons who fulfilled their covenant with Allah, viz. who kept their promise which they had made to Him about their following the complete faith, and was one of those four personalities whose love has been made obligatory on all.

Allamah Manazir Ahsan Gilani throwing light on the lofty scholarship of Abu Dharr writes: "Read the testimony of Ali, the best judge out of the companions, and the Gate of Knowledge and conclude yourself that he is right when he says, "Abu Dharr was very greedy and avaricious”. Is this testimony of Imam Ali does not justify Abu Dharr's claim?

Sometimes Abu Dharr himself said enthusiastically, "We have separated from the Holy Prophet at a time when there has not been left a single bird flying with flapping wings in the sky, about which we have not come to know some special thing".[^1] Allamah Gilani writes about the knowledge of Abu Dharr, "Somebody asked Imam Ali, how he considered Abu Dharr". He replied that ‘wa'aa 'ilman 'ajaza fihe,’ viz. "He (Abu Dharr) preserved knowledge which overpowered him".

You have read how sensitive he was to accept impression, and can yourself surmise from the events. That is why he was always ready to act according as he heard from the Holy Prophet. Just as he tried to hear from the Holy Prophet he wanted to put it into action without the least hesitation.