Was Abū Dharr al-Ghifārī “Exiled” to al-Rabadha? A Review on the Relations between Caliph ʿUthmān and Abū Dharr al-Ghifārī

Abstract

The period after the Prophet Muḥammad is significant in many respects. In particular, the events that took place during the time of the third caliph ʿUthmān, have a distinct importance because they had a profound impact on the future development of Islamic society. An important aspect of this period that affected political, religious, and social life during Islamic history was the relation between Caliph ʿUthmān and Abū Dharr, which resulted in Abū Dharr going to al-Rabadha. There are significant differences in the narratives related to these events. In some accounts, Abū Dharr went to al-Rabadha on his own request, whereas in others, he was sent into exile by the Caliph ʿUthmān because he protested his regime for corruption. This article aims to examine the relations between Caliph Uthmān and Abū Dharr in three steps: Abū Dharr’s leaving to Damascus; the events that occurred between Abū Dharr and Muʿāwiya; Abū Dharr’s coming back to Medina and then leaving (or being exiled) to al-Rabadha.

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