and kind, while Abū Dharr went too far in denouncing them, to the point that he forbade them permissible things. This was among the causes of strife between the two sides.

Abū Dharr’s withdrawal was therefore for this reason, and Uthmān had no ulterior motive of any kind regarding Abū Dharr (1).

As for Abū Dharr’s being among the most truthful of people, that does not entail that he was superior to others. Rather, Abū Dharr was a weak believer. It is [authentically established] (2) in the Sahih that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said to him:

“O Abū Dharr, I see that you are weak, and I desire for you what I desire for myself. Never assume authority over even two people, and never take charge of an orphan’s property.” (3)

Moreover, [it is authentically reported from him] in the Sahih (4) that he said:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both.” (5)

The members (6) of the consultative council were strong believers, whereas Abū Dharr and those like him were weak believers.