Salman al-Farisi's Constant Fasting

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – As a sahabah who was ajam — non-Arab — the piety of Salman al-Farisi was acknowledged by the companions. He was one of the Prophet Muhammad’s most intelligent companions. The story of Salman is transmitted by Imam Ja’far al-Shadiq from his father and grandfathers.

One day, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked his companions. Coincidentally, Salman was present. ‘Who among you fasts all the time?’ Then Salman answered, ‘I, O Messenger of Allah.’ The Prophet asked again of the companions, ‘Who among you performs night prayers throughout the night?’ Salman again answered, ‘I, O Messenger of Allah.’ Third time the Prophet asked, ‘Who among you has completed the Qur’an for the third time?’ Salman answered, ‘I, O Messenger of Allah.’

Then one of the Prophet’s companions became angry and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, Salman is a Persian who seeks to boast and display his superiority over us, while we are the Quraysh.’ The companion questioned Salman’s answer and accused him of lying. Immediately the Prophet admonished the man. ‘Be silent, you—whatever your name is. How much of the wisdom of Luqman the Wise do you possess? Ask him, and he will explain it to you.’

Then the companion directly asked Salman al-Farisi. ‘O Abu Adillah. You have admitted that you fast all the time, haven’t you?’ Salman admitted that he had spoken as such. Then the companion revealed that he had seen Salman eating for much of the time.