Second: ʿAbd-Allāh b. ʿUtbah (Abu Juḥayfa) relates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ established a bond of brotherhood between Salmān and Abu al-Dardāʾ. Salmān once came to visit him and found Umm al-Dardāʾ in a disheveled state.1 He asked, “What is the matter with you, Umm al-Dardāʾ?” She replied, “Your brother Abu al-Dardāʾ spends the night in prayer and fasts by day; he has no interest at all in worldly things!”

Abu al-Dardāʾ then arrived, welcomed Salmān, and set food before him. Salmān said, “Eat.” He answered, “I am fasting.” Salmān replied, “I adjure you to break your fast; I will not eat until you do.” So he ate with him.

Salmān spent the night there. When part of the night had elapsed Abu al-Dardāʾ rose to pray, but Salmān restrained him and said, “Abu al-Dardāʾ, your body has a right over you, your Lord has a right over you, [your guest has a right over you,] and your family has a right over you. Fast on some days and break your fast on others, observe the prayer and then attend to your family, and give each who has a right over you his due.”

Toward daybreak Salmān said, “Now, if you wish, get up.” They both rose, performed ablution, prayed two rakʿahs, and then went out for the congregational prayer. Abu al-Dardāʾ approached to inform the Messenger of Allah ﷺ of what Salmān had advised him. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Abu al-Dardāʾ! Your body has a right over you …”