109 – Abu al-Faraj Muhammad informed us; Ahmad ibn Sulayman narrated to us; Ishaq ibn al-Hasan al-Harbi narrated to us; Abu Salamah reported to us, from Ibn Salamah, from Maʿbad ibn Maʿdan:

Abu Dharr sat with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet asked, “Abu Dharr, have you sought refuge from the devils of jinn and of humankind?”

Abu Dharr replied, “Messenger of Allah, are there devils among human beings as well?”

He said, “Yes. Abu Dharr, shall I point you to a treasure from the treasures of Paradise?”

I asked, “What is it?”

He said, “La hawla wa-la quwwata illa billah al-ʿAliyy al-ʿAzim (There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Magnificent).”

I then said, “Messenger of Allah, what is the prayer?”

He answered, “It is the finest undertaking: whoever wishes may perform a little of it, and whoever wishes may perform much.”

I said, “Messenger of Allah, what about fasting?”

He said, “It is an obligation.”

I asked, “Messenger of Allah, which charity is best?”

He replied, “The sincere effort of one who has little, and whatever ease he can afford.”

I said, “Prophet of Allah, how many messengers were there?”

He said, “Three hundred and fifteen—an immense multitude.”

I asked, “Was Adam a prophet?”

He said, “Yes, one to whom Allah spoke.”

Then he added, “The most miserly of people is the one in whose presence I am mentioned yet he does not invoke blessings upon me.” (May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.)