An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
14. Unity
~ 286 ~
the news that Caliph Uthman, along with the
pilgrims in Mina had prayed the full four rakats.
He was greatly upset by this news, and
expressed his strong opposition to the Caliph’s
action. “I prayed along with the Prophet here in
Mina,” he said, “and he prayed only two rakats.
And I prayed the same two rakats along with
Abu Bakr and Umar.” Having said this, Abu
Dharr arose and prayed the full four rakats. “But
it was for just this that you criticized the
Commander of the Faithful” exclaimed those
around him. “Why do you do the same thing
yourself?” “It would be worse to go against
him,” explained Abu Dharr.
(AHMAD,
MUSNAD)
Abdullah ibn Masud likewise criticized the
Caliph for praying four rakats, but then
proceeded to do the same thing himself” When
asked about this, he said: “It would be wicked to
contradict the Caliph.”
(QATADAH)
