At that, Abu Bakr said, “O Messenger of Allah, allow me to look after his food tonight.”

So we left together. Abu Bakr opened a door and began scooping out for us some of the raisins of al-Ṭāʾif; that was the first solid food I ate there.

I then came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he said, “A land rich in date-palms has been designated for me—I can only think it is Yathrib. Will you convey my words to your people? Perhaps Allah will benefit them through you and reward you on their account.”

He continues: “So I set off and met Unays.

“He asked, ‘What have you done?’

“I replied, ‘I have embraced Islam and declared the Prophet truthful.’

“He said, ‘I feel no aversion to your religion; I too have accepted Islam and affirmed the truth.’

“Our mother also became Muslim, and we travelled on until we reached our tribe, Ghifār. Half of them accepted Islam, and their chief, Imāʾ ibn Raḥaḍah, led them in prayer.

“The other half said, ‘When the Messenger of Allah reaches Madinah we shall submit.’

“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ did arrive in Madinah, the remaining half accepted Islam.

“The tribe of Aslam then came and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, these are our brothers; we wish to submit upon what they have submitted.’

“So they embraced Islam, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ declared, ‘Ghifār—may Allah forgive them! Aslam—may Allah grant them peace.’”

Muslim recorded this (1).

Abū Jamrah said: Ibn ʿAbbās told us, “Shall I inform you about Abū Dharr’s conversion to Islam?” We replied, “Certainly.”

He said: “Abū Dharr related, ‘News reached me that a man in Mecca had appeared, claiming to be a prophet. I sent my brother to speak to him, saying, “Go to this man and talk to him.” He went, met him, and then returned. I asked, “What have you learned?” He answered, “By Allah, I have seen a man who commands good and forbids evil.” I said, “You have not satisfied me.” So I took a provisions bag and a staff, then…’”}