Story of Salman al-Farisi's Conversion to Islam

Reported by Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz in "Ziyadat al-Fawa'id," narrated: Abu al-Abbas Muhammad ibn Ya'qub informed us that Yahya ibn Abi Talib narrated to us that Ali ibn Asim narrated to us that Hatim ibn Abi Saghira reported to us from Simak ibn Harb from Zaid ibn Suhayyan:

Two men from Kufa, close friends of Zaid ibn Suhayyan, came to him requesting to speak with Salman. They asked him to tell them about his early days of embracing Islam. They traveled until they met Salman in Ctesiphon, where he was a governor, sitting on a throne, wearing a cloak, busy weaving it.

They greeted him, sat down, and Zaid said to him: "O Abu Abdullah, these two are my friends, they have a close bond, and they wish to hear your story: How did you accept Islam?"

The Story of Salman al-Farisi

Salman narrated: I was an orphan in the land of Rayy where Ibn Dihqan, the chief of Rayy, was disputing with a teacher. I stayed close to him and had an older brother who was self-sufficient while I was a poor boy. Whenever gatherings dispersed, I would follow him up the mountain where there was a group of people in rectangular stones who worshipped and remembered Allah and the Hereafter. They believed we were fire-worshippers and idolaters, following a false religion.

I encouraged him to take me along, but he feared that something may be revealed from me and feared for my safety. However, after eventually gaining their permission, Salman accompanied them. The leader of the group allowed Salman to join them under the condition that he comes unnoticed at a specific time to avoid his father knowing, as it could endanger the group.

At the appointed hour, Salman followed the leader up the mountain, and the story continues...

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

The Encounter with People of Worship

In His hands, towards them. And there they are in their cloaks. Ali said: "And I see it," he said: "They are six or seven." He said: "It is as if the spirit has departed from them in worship: they fast during the day, stand (in prayer) at night, eat trees and whatever they find. We sat with them, and the son of Dihqan mentioned good about me. So they talked, praised and glorified God and mentioned those who had passed away among the messengers and prophets, until they reached Isa son of Maryam. They said: God sent him, and he was born without a father. God sent him as a Messenger, and enabled him to do what he did of reviving the dead, creating birds, healing the blind and lepers. Some people disbelieved in him, while others followed him, but only the servant of God and His Messenger was tested with his (Isa's) creation." They said before that: "O boy, you have a Lord, and indeed you have a fate, and before you are Paradise and Hell to which you will ultimately reach. Those people who worship fire are the people of disbelief and misguidance, and God is not pleased with what they do, and they are not on the right path. When the time came for the servant to leave, he left. And I left with him. Then we returned to them, and they said: "Like that and better." I stayed with them, and they said to me: "O Salman, you are a young man, and you cannot do what we do, so pray, sleep, eat, and drink." He said: The king observed his son's behavior, rode on the horse, and then came to them in their cloaks and said: "O people, you have lived near me, I have been good to you, you have not seen any harm from me, but you have incited my son and corrupted him for me. I extended your time threefold, but if I can handle you after three, I will burn your cloaks upon you, so you should return to your lands, for I dislike to be harsh towards you." They said: "Yes, we did not intend your evening, and we only wanted good." So his son stopped going to them, and I said to him: "Fear God, for you know that this is the religion of God, while your father and we are on a different path, they worship fire and do not know God, so do not sacrifice your afterlife for the world."

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Salman Meets a Group of People in Need

Sayyiduna Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Salman, it is as you say, but I have stayed behind from the people to stay with them. The people asked me to deliver a message to my father concerning their horses. My father became anxious when I delayed in coming to them until he banished me. I know that the truth is with them." They said: "You know better." I then met my brother and presented the matter to him. He replied: "I am preoccupied with seeking sustenance for myself." So I went to them on the day they intended to depart. They said: "O Salman, we were warning you, and what you have witnessed has happened. Fear Allah, and remember that we have advised you regarding religion. These are worshippers of fire who do not know Allah or mention Him. Do not let anyone deceive you about this." I said: "I will not leave you." They said: "You cannot be with us. We fast during the day, stand vigil at night, and subsist on leaves and whatever we find, and you cannot bear it." I said: "I will not leave you." They said: "You know best, we have informed you of our condition. When you come, seek a pair of shoes to wear and carry some food with you, as you will not be able to endure what we endure." I followed their instructions and met my brother, who refused to join. I then went to the group, and they welcomed me and started walking, so I walked with them. Allah granted us safety until we reached Mosul. We made a pact in Mosul. When we entered, they treated us well and asked: "Where were you?" We replied: "We were in lands where Allah is not remembered, dominated by fire worshippers who expelled us, so we have come to you."

They later said: "O Salman, there are people in these mountains who follow a true faith, and we desire to meet them. Stay with them, for they are people of religion, and you will see what you like among them." I said: "I will not leave you." They advised the people of the pact, who said: "Stay with us, for nothing you are capable of is beyond our abilities." I said: "I will not leave you." They departed, and I went with them, and we found ourselves amidst mountains...

The Encounter with the People of the Cave

At the Rock

There was a rock and plenty of water in gorges. We had lots of bread, so we sat by the rock. When the sun rose, people emerged from among the mountains. Men kept coming out one after another, looking as though their souls had been plucked, until their numbers increased. They welcomed and hosted us, asking where we had been as they had not seen us before.

The Tale of a Boy

They said, "We were in a land where the name of Allah was not mentioned. They worshipped fire, but we worship Allah. So they expelled us."
They asked, "Who is this boy with you?" The people praised him, broadcasted his virtues, and told them about following him. I have never seen people as noble as them. They hailed Allah and praised him.

Teaching of the Prophet

Then that tall man, emerging from the cave, greeted us and sat down. He was honored by my companions, the ones I was with. They listened attentively as he narrated stories of Allah's messengers and prophets. He talked about the birth of Jesus, son of Mary, and how he was born miraculously without a father. He was sent as a messenger, performed miracles like raising the dead, curing the blind and lepers, and creating birds from clay with Allah's permission. He received the Gospel and was taught the Torah. He was a messenger to the Children of Israel. Some believed in him, while others disbelieved. He described moments from the life of Jesus, emphasizing his gratitude and acceptance of Allah's will until Allah took him back.

Admonition

He respected them, saying, "Fear Allah and adhere to what Jesus brought. Do not deviate, lest you suffer consequences." He concluded by offering something to remember from their encounter [ (18) ].

The Story of the Man in the Cave

Key Points:

• The man instructed his companions to hold onto their faith and not to separate.
• He revealed to his young companion that he only leaves the cave once a week and the boy couldn't remain with him due to the unique circumstances.
• Despite the companions' insistence, the young boy remained determined to stay with the man.
• The man's companions bid farewell to him and the young boy with concern for his safety.
• The man led prayers and the boy followed, witnessing the man neither sleeping nor eating, only in constant prayer.
• In the morning, the man asked the boy to take his provisions and leave, and the boy obediently followed.

Translation:

So the man said, "Take it." The man then got up, took the jar with water, food, and goods, and my companions, who I was with, stood up to greet him and respect him. He told them, "Uphold this religion, do not divide, and treat this young boy well." He said to me, "O boy, this is the religion of Allah that you hear me talk about, and other than it is disbelief." I said, "I will not leave you." He said, "You cannot be with me. I only leave this cave once a week, and you cannot endure the confinement with me." I said, "I will not leave you." His companions came to me and said, "O boy, you cannot be with him." I said, "I will not leave you." Then, he said to his companions, "O Abu Fulan, this is a young boy and we are concerned about him.” He said to me, "You know best." I said, "I will not leave you." My early companions, whom I was with, started crying when I had to part ways with them. He said, "Take as much food as you think will last you until the next one and take as much water as you need." I did as he said, and we parted ways. Everyone went to their designated place, and I followed him until we reached the mountain cave. He said, "Leave what you have with you, then eat and drink." He started praying, and I prayed behind him. He turned to me and said, "You can't do this, but pray, sleep, eat, and drink." I complied, and I never saw him sleep or eat, only in constant prayer. In the morning, he said, "Take your provisions and go." I followed him until we reached a rock, where we found the others waiting for us. They gathered around the rock, waiting for his emergence. He sat down, and he began teaching them, admonishing them not to divide and to fear Allah. He informed them that Jesus, son of Mary, was a servant of Allah.

Story of a Wise Man

"May God bestow His blessings." Then he mentioned to me. They said to him, "O father of so-and-so, how did you find this boy?" He praised me and said good things, so they thanked the Almighty. When there was plenty of bread and water, they would take what was enough for all. So I did. They dispersed in those mountains and he returned to his cave, and I returned with him. He stayed however long God willed: every day someone would come out and they would accompany him, repeating what he instructed. One day as they gathered, they praised God and he admonished them, saying the same words as before. At the end, he said to them, "O people, I have aged, my bones have weakened, my time is near, and my relationship with this house has been such and such for so long. Its time has come and you must deal well with this boy, as I see no issue with him.” He then said: “The people were distressed like I had never seen before. They said, ‘O father of so-and-so, you are old and alone, and we fear something may harm you, and we are in more need of you than ever.’ He replied: ‘Do not argue with me, the time has come for it, but do well with this boy as advised and carry on, carry on!’ I said: ‘I will not abandon you.’ He replied: ‘O Salman, you have seen my condition and what I was upon, this is different; I can only walk, fast during the day, stand up at night, unable to carry any provisions. I said: ‘I will not leave you.’ He replied: ‘You know best.’ They said, ‘O father of so-and-so, we are worried about this boy.’ He said: ‘He knows best, I have informed him of the situation and he has seen what was before this.’ I said: ‘I will not leave you.’ They wept, bid farewell, and he said: ‘Fear God, follow my guidance, if I live, I may return to you, and if I die, God is alive and never dies.’ He bid them farewell, and I accompanied him. He said: ‘Take extra bread with you from this [restriction].’

The Journey of Salman Al-Farsi with the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Accompanying the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Jerusalem

Salman Al-Farsi followed the Prophet (peace be upon him) walking, in remembrance of Allah, until they reached Jerusalem. The Prophet prayed, without raising his gaze to the sky. On reaching the gate of the mosque, a beggar asked for alms but the Prophet did not turn towards him. Inside the mosque, the Prophet prayed while Salman watched from a distance.

The Prophet's Request for Assistance in Waking Him for Prayer

The Prophet asked Salman to wake him for the night prayer if he was overcome by sleep. Salman agreed and thought to let the Prophet sleep peacefully. The Prophet instructed him to wake him at a specific time for prayer.

The Prophecy of the Coming of Prophet Ahmad

The Prophet foretold the coming of a messenger named Ahmad, who would not accept charity, had a sign between his shoulders, and would consume gifts but not alms. The Prophet advised Salman to follow this messenger if encountered, even if he was an old man.

Salman's Question about Changing Faith

Salman asked what he should do if instructed to leave his faith by Ahmad, to which the Prophet assured him that truth lies in Ahmad's teachings and satisfaction of the Most Merciful in what he preaches.

Story of Salman the Persian

Shortly thereafter, Salman woke up startled, remembering God. He said: "O Salman, the caravan has already left this place, and I did not remember God. Where is the promise you made to yourself?" Salman replied: "You informed me that you hadn't slept since such and such time, and I noticed some of that, so I wanted you to recover from sleep. He praised God, got up, and left. I followed him, and as he passed by the seat, it said: "O servant of God, you entered and I asked you to whom should I be given, then you left without answering me." He stood looking around but didn't see anyone. He approached the seat, and it said: "Extend your hand so I can be given." Salman did so, and the seat responded: "Stand in the name of God." Salman stood up as if rejuvenated from sleep, perfectly healthy. The seat was then removed from his hand as he departed, without looking back. The seat said to me: "Boy, carry my clothes for me until I leave and can inform my family." I carried his clothes and he departed without looking back, and I followed him, asking around for him. Every time I inquired, people said: "He's ahead of you." I finally met a caravan from Kalam, where I asked them about him. Upon hearing this, a man offered me a ride on his camel and took me to their land.

"They sold me to a woman from the Ansar, who housed me in a corner of her yard. One day, the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, passed by. I informed him, and I took some dates from the wall of my corner and placed them on something. Then I went to him and found some people with him, including Abu Bakr who was closest to him. I presented the dates to him, saying it was a gift. He gave it to the people to eat but did not eat himself. I stayed there as long as God willed, then I took something similar and placed it on something else. I approached him..."

Conversion to Islam of Salman the Persian

Gift of Salman

Salman found people around the Prophet Muhammad, with Abu Bakr closest to him. Salman placed the gift he brought in front of the Prophet, who said, "What is this?" Salman replied, "A gift." The Prophet said, "In the name of Allah," and then ate from it along with the others present.

Conversion to Islam

Salman observed that his companion from Persia mispronounced certain words, which led to a realization. He then declared the Shahada in front of the Prophet, stating his faith in Allah and his Prophet. After revealing his history and how he ended up in Medina, Abu Bakr bought Salman and freed him.

Disapproval of Christianity

When asked about Christians, the Prophet stated that there is no goodness in them or their religion. This revelation caused Salman to understand that the Christian monks he previously interacted with were not righteous in the eyes of Allah.

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Explanation of Leaving Idol Worship for Islam

Yes, leave it, for the truth and what Allah loves are in what He commands you [Qur'an 37:44].

Salman the Persian Embraces Islam

Salman al-Farisi, may Allah be pleased with him, was from Persia, specifically from a village called Jayy. His father was a wealthy man, who loved Salman intensely. Despite his affection, his father's love for him turned into confinement, as tight as that of a slave girl. Salman diligently practiced Zoroastrianism, tending a fire that was never to be extinguished. His dedication to this practice was such that he was unaware of anything beyond it.

Salman's Journey to Islam

In his search for truth, Salman eventually embraced Islam. His story is narrated in various sources, including the 'Musnad' of al-Hakim. This narration is deemed authentic, highlighting Salman's journey to Islam.

Through his unwavering quest for faith, Salman's story encompasses a unique spiritual transformation, shedding light on his unwavering commitment to finding the truth.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Accompanying the Righteous

With you in your congregation, I worship Allah alongside you, and I learn goodness from you.

The Unrighteous Man

The man told him: "Be with me." I stayed with him, and he was a wicked man. He would command people to give charity and encourage them to do so, but when they gathered it for him, he would hoard it and not give it to the poor. I detested him intensely for his actions. When he died, as they came to bury him, I said to them, "This man was wicked, he would command you to give charity and encourage you to do so, and then when you collected it for him, he would hoard it and not give it to the needy." They asked, "What is the proof of this?" I said, "I will show you his treasure." I brought out for them seven full vessels of gold and silver. When they saw this, they said, "By Allah, he shall never be buried." They crucified him on a wooden plank and stoned him, then they brought another man and put him in his place.

A True Devotee

I have never seen anyone more devoted to praying the five prayers except that I consider him superior in his efforts. He did not detach from the world, nor did he tire neither in day nor night. I have never loved anything before him like I loved him. I remained with him until his death approached. I said, "O such and such, death has arrived for you. By Allah, I have never loved anyone as much as I loved you. What do you command me? To whom should I turn?" He replied, "O my son, I only know a man in Mosul, so go to him as you will find him in a state similar to mine." When he died and was buried, I went to Mosul and met its inhabitant. I found him just as devoted and detached from the world as my companion. I told him, "So-and-so advised me to come to you and be with you." He said, "Remain here, my son." I stayed with him following the ways of his former companion until his death. After his demise, I said, "So-and-so had advised me to come to you, and now that you have passed and fulfill the decree of Allah, to whom do you advise me to turn?" He replied, "By Allah, I do not know, my son, except for a man from the Nusaybins, who is in a state similar to ours, so you should seek him out." After burying him, I went to the man from Nusaybins and conveyed the same sentiments about the mutual recommendation. He said, "Remain, my son." And I stayed.

Encounter with Death and Passing of Wisdom

He, with full awareness of his impending death, said to me: "Oh so-and-so, what has been decreed by Allah for you will soon become apparent. I have received instructions from so-and-so, who was advised by another, and so forth leading up to you. Now, to whom shall I pass on these instructions?" He replied: "My son, I know of none besides a man in 'Amuriyya of Rome. Seek him out, for you will find him following our ways." When I met the man in 'Amuriyya, I stayed with him and amassed wealth until my death approached.

Passing on the Instructions

Upon his death, I asked him: "So-and-so had instructed me to pass on guidance to another, who then was to pass it on to you. Now that you face what Allah has ordained, to whom should I entrust this responsibility?" He said: "My son, I know of none left on our path, but I command you to go to a time when a Prophet will be sent from the Sacred Precinct. Follow his migration between two valleys to a land with palm trees, where you will find unmistakable signs: he bears the seal of Prophethood between his shoulders, accepts gifts but not charity. If you can reach that land, do so, for his time has come." So I journeyed to that Prophet and continued my path.

A Tale of Slavery and Redemption

As I traveled, Arabian merchants from Kalb took me in, agreeing to transport me to Arab lands in exchange for my wealth and livestock. However, upon reaching the Valley of Villages, they betrayed me, selling me as a slave to a Jewish man from the Valley of Villages. I saw the palm trees and longed for the land of the person who described it to me so accurately, until a man from Banu Qurayzah, a Jew from the Valley of Villages, bought me from my previous owner and led me to Medina. It was then that I recognized the true blessings and decided to settle there.

The Prophet's Generosity

One day, I was working for my companion in a palm grove in Quba when a relative of his came and informed us about people gathering in Quba to confront a man claiming to be a prophet. I was so overwhelmed by the news that I almost fainted. When evening came, I took some food I had with me and went to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who was still in Quba. I told him that I had heard of his righteousness and his companions, who were strangers in the land. I offered him the food as a gift, seeing him as the most deserving recipient in the community. The Prophet took the food, but instead of eating it, he shared it with his companions. This act of generosity truly reflected the description I had been given by my companion.

An Offering of Kindness

Later, when the Prophet returned to Medina, I gathered some belongings I had and presented them to him, expressing my admiration for his refusal to accept charity. I gave these items as a gift and a gesture of honor, not as charity. The Prophet accepted the gift and shared it with his companions once again, demonstrating his humility and selflessness.

In the Service of Others

On another occasion, I found the Prophet following a funeral procession while I was carrying two heavy blankets. I approached him and offered one of the blankets to him as a gift. Despite the weight of the blankets, the Prophet graciously accepted my offering, setting yet another example of his modesty and his willingness to embrace the kindness of others.

The Conversion of Salman the Persian

Salman reports: I turned so I could look at the seal on his back. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw me, he turned so he knew that I was verifying something that was described to me. He then removed his cloak from his back, and I looked at the seal between his shoulders as my companion described to me. I leaned towards him, kissing and shedding tears. The Prophet then said, "Turn, O Salman, like this." I turned and sat before him. He liked to make his companions hear about my story. So, I told him, "O Ibn 'Abbas, as I told you." When I finished, the Prophet said, "Write, O Salman." I wrote for my companion three hundred date palms to be planted, and forty Uqiyya. The companions of the Prophet helped me with the date palms: thirty and twenty (individual helpers), each one according to his capacity. The Prophet said to me, "Make it poor for her, then when you finish, let me know so that I can place it in her hand." I made it poor, and my companions helped me prepare it until we finished. Then I went to the Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah, we have completed it." I went out with him until we reached her, carrying the Uqiyya to him, placing it in his hand, and leveling it. By Him who sent him with the truth, no single Uqiyya remained of it. I had some Dirhams left. A man then came with something like a small egg made of gold, and the Prophet said, "Where is the Muslim Persian man whom we have freed?" I was called, and he said, "Take this, O Salman, and do with it what you will." I asked, "O Messenger of Allah, where does this fall under what is upon me?" He replied, "Indeed, Allah will manage it for you."

Hadith on the Generosity of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

In the chain of narrators, it is reported that Salman said:

"I came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with charity, and he returned it to me. I also presented him with a gift, and he accepted it. By this chain of narration, Salman also said: 'The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave me an amount of gold equivalent to a dirham. Shareek shaved his index finger onto his thumb like a dirham coin. I said, 'If it were placed on a scale against it, it would outweigh it in its weight.' Through a separate chain of narrators, Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz reported that Ahmad ibn Abd al-Jabbar mentioned a similar incident, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave gold to Salman, instructing him to use it for himself. Salman asked where his responsibility lay, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed the gold on his tongue and then flung it toward him, saying, 'Take it and know that Allah will fulfill your duty through it.'"

Source: Sirah of Ibn Hisham (1:233-242), Dalail al-Nubuwwah by Abu Nu'aym (213), History of Islam by Adh-Dhahabi (2:51), Al-Bidaya wa'n-Nihaya (2:310-316), Al-Ikhtifaa (1:236), Tahdheeb Tarikh Dimashq al-Kabeer (6:192-195), Al-Khasais al-Kubra by As-Suyuti (1:45), Subul al-Huda wal-Rashad (1:122-130).

Authenticated in Musnad Imam Ahmad (5:437, 438).

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Reported Chain:

Abu Bakr informed us: Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Jawaribi, via Waseet, said: Ishaaq ibn Ibrahim al-Shahidi informed us, saying: Mu'tamir ibn Sulayman narrated from his father, from Abu Uthman, from Salman al-Farisi, that he received twelve measures, from one lord to another.

(Narrated by al-Bukhari, from al-Hasan ibn Umar ibn Shaqiq, from Mu'tamir ibn Sulayman.)

Source:

This narration can be found in Sahih al-Bukhari in the Book of Virtues of the Ansar, Chapter: The Islam of Salman al-Farisi, Fath al-Bari (7:277).