3.Abu Huraira

It is written in the book ‘Israeliyaat wa Tatheer e Aan…’ that:

“As mentioned in a long narration of Sahih Bukhari: Abu Huraira joined the companionship of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) only with the intention of filling his stomach.[1]

          In the same book, it has been narrated by Ibn e Musabbab and Abu Salma from Abu Huraira himself that he said: I used to accompany the Prophet for filling my stomach![2]

          Similarly, Bukhari has narrated from Abu Huraira with his authentication that: ‘People say that Abu Huraira associates many narrations to the Prophet, whereas, I always accompanied the Prophet with the hope of filling my stomach.[3]

          It is narrated from Abu Hurairah himself: ‘I found myself trembling out of hunger lying between the Pulpit of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and the house of Ayesha; people used to pass by me stamping their foots on my neck thinking of me as someone insane, whereas I was not insane, I was in such a condition because of severe hunger.[4]

          It occurs that throughout his companionship with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), he spend his time sitting on the roadside, begging the people for food; and was not authorized to perform any important work. His name is mentioned neither in the context of a battle nor a peace treaty, although, it is said that he fled from the battle of Mauta due fearing the opponent army![5] Nothing has been mentioned except for this cowardliness.

          When Mu’awiyah attained power and began the unlawful Umayyad rule, and the command of the Islamic nation fell into his hands, Abu Huraira attained a new life and his disgraceful life converted into a royal one.

          Abu Riyya writes: When the fire of war lit up between the Leader of the Faithful, Ali (a.s.) and Mu’awiyah, or in other words, between the Umayyad dynasty and the Hashemite dynasty, and Muslims got divided into different sects, due to his greedy nature and inner lust, Abu Huraira went towards Mu’awiyah. This was because he found the worldly riches, luxurious facilities, and lavish amenities with Mu’awiyah, whereas on Ali (a.s.) side, there was nothing but piety and virtue.

          It is clear that Abu Huraira was not interested in such qualities. Therefore, Abu Huraira deviated his path towards the court of Mu’awiyah to be able to enjoy his luxurious foods, expensive perks and gifts, and to fulfil his materialistic desires.

          How could a person like Abu Hurairah, who in his own words, used to faint due to the severity of poverty and hunger, give away the all-powerful Umayyad rule with its delicious foods and luxuries, to accompany someone like Ali (a.s.) whose food was barley bread? These are issues which do not match with the nature of human beings and their inner desires, except for the nature of those few people whom God has secured from committing errors.[6]

      With the upheaval of the Umayyad Dynasty, Abu Huraira joined their friends circle, and helped their preachers with his speaking skills and narrations, and by this way, he received warmth and affection, gifts and presents, and above all, delicious food in return[7]. Especially ‘Mudhaira’[8], which was considered one of the best meal of Mu’awiyah and Abu Huraira loved this food so much that he received a nickname because of it and this nick remained with him all the way and he was known by the passage of time as the ‘Sheikh of Mudhaira’.

          Muhammad Abde says: After the allegiance of people with Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.), Muawiah claimed to be the caliph, but he was not supported by anyone until Ali (a.s.) was alive, except those who desired luxuries and were the followers of their inner lust, and their love for ‘Mudhaira’, which was one of the favourite dishes of Mu’awiyah, compelled them to bear witness to the Caliphate of Muawiah.’[9]

          It is said that Abu Huraira was very fond of Mudhaira and used to have it while dining with Mu’awiyah, and whenever he was asked about it, he said: ‘The Mudhaira of Mu’awiyah has more fat and the prayer offered behind Ali (a.s.) has more reward’.[10]

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