Hadhrat Abu Dharr Ghifaari رضي الله عنه Accepts Islam

Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه was a famous companion of Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم who later became one of the greatest ascetics and scholars of Islaam. Even Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه attested to the fact that most people were unable to even acquire the knowledge that Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه possessed.
When Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه first heard about Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم, he sent his brother to Makkah to investigate what type of a person it was who claimed to receive revelation from the heavens. He also instructed his brother to listen attentively to what Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم was saying. After going to Makkah and making enquiries about Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم, his brother reported back to him, saying, “ I have found him to be a man of good habits and excellent character, who instructs people to do good. I have also heard from him such words that are neither poetry nor the words of fortune tellers.”
Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه was not satisfied with such vague details and prepared his provisions to set out for Makkah himself. When he reached Makkah, he proceeded directly to Masjidul Haraam. He did not know who Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم was and did not deem it appropriate to make enquiries. He therefore remained here all day. Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه recognised him to be a stranger and took him home that evening to spend the night because caring for strangers, travellers and the poor was ingrained in their character. Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه entertained him for the night, but did not think it necessary to ask him why he had come to Makkah. Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه did not disclose anything either.
The following morning he again proceeded to Masjidul Haraam and again spent the day without knowing who Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم was and without making any enquiries. He most probably did not make any enquiries because it was commonly known that Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم was regarded to be an enemy and the safety of the people who associated with him was jeopardized. He also knew that he would not be given the true story and would then entertain false suspicion.
That day, Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه took him home again, thinking that the poor man did not manage to complete the work he had come for. Again he entertained Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه and no word was spoken about the purpose of his visit. When the same transpired on the third night, Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه asked Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه why he had come to Makkah. Before replying, Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه made Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه swear that he would speak the truth. When he then disclosed the reason for his visit, Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه confirmed “He is indeed the Rasul of Allah. When I go to him tomorrow morning, you should follow me and I shall lead you to him. However, if we meet someone on the road whom I fear should not know that you are with me, then I shall pretend that I need to relieve myself to indicate that I will set my shoes right. You must then continue walking on without waiting for me so that it does not appear that You are with me.”
The following morning, Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه left with Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه behind him until they reached Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم. Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه then spoke with Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم and accepted Islaam there and then. Fearing for his safety, Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم advised Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه,saying, “do not announce that you have accepted Islaam, but rather go silently to your people. You may return after you have heard that I have gained victory.”
Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه responded by saying, “Oh Rasoolullah صلى الله على وسلم! I swear by the being who controls my life that I shall shout out the Kalimah of Touheed in the midst of all these unbelievers!” he then proceeded to Masjidul Haraam, where he called out at the top of his voice,

I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I testify that Muhammad صلى الله على وسلم is the Rasul of Allah.”

No sooner had he spoken these words people fell upon him from all sides and beat him up so badly that he was close to death. Rasoolullah's صلى الله على وسلم  uncle Hadhrat Abbaas رضي الله عنه who had not yet announced his Islaam then covered Hadhrat Abu Dharr's رضي الله عنه body with his own to stop the people, saying, “ what foolishness is this! He belongs to the Ghifaar tribe who live on route to Syria and you all know well that all your trade you conduct is with Syria. If this man has to be killed, your trade will come to an end, so do leave him alone.” The people then stopped their assault.
The following day, Hadhrat Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه again repeated the announcement of the Kalimah  and because they could not stand it, the people attacked him. Yet again, it was Hadhrat Abbaas رضي الله عنه who convinced them to stop in order to secure the safety of their trade route.