Islamic Character

Never stoop to controversy Certain individuals, who had brought gifts for Abu Dharr Ghefari, were told on reaching Rabdhah, the latter’s home town, that he had gone on pilgrimage, so they followed him to where the pilgrims were gathered at Mina. They were sitting with Abu Dharr, when he received the news that Caliph Uthman, along with the pilgrims in Mina had prayed the full four rakats. He was greatly upset by this news, and expressed his strong opposition to the Caliph’s action. “I prayed along with the Prophet here in Mina,” he said, “and he prayed only two rakats. And I prayed the same two rakats along with Abu Bakr and Umar.” Having said this, Abu Dharr arose and prayed the full four rakats. “But it was for just this that you criticized the Commander of the Faithful” exclaimed those around him. “Why do you do the same thing yourself?” “It would be worse to go against him,” explained Abu Dharr. (AHMAD, MUSNAD) Abdullah ibn Masud likewise criticized the Caliph for praying four rakats, but then proceeded to do the same thing himself” When asked about this, he said: “It would be wicked to contradict the Caliph.” (QATADAH)