Abu Dharr al-Ghifari

Abu Dharr was from the tribe of Ghifar, known for highway robbery. When he heard that a prophet had appeared in Makkah, he sent his brother Unays to investigate. Unays returned saying he had heard the most beautiful speech. Abu Dharr travelled to Makkah himself and found the Prophet through Ali ibn Abi Talib, who hosted him. After accepting Islam, the Prophet told him to return to his people and keep his faith quiet until the Muslims were stronger. But Abu Dharr replied: 'By the One who has sent you with the truth, I will shout it among them!' He went straight to the Ka'bah while the Quraysh were sitting and proclaimed at the top of his voice: 'I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah!' They beat him until he fell unconscious. Abbas intervened, reminding them that Abu Dharr's tribe controlled their trade route to Syria. The next day, Abu Dharr went back and did exactly the same thing. They beat him again. He then returned to his tribe and began preaching. By the time the Prophet migrated to Madinah, half of Ghifar and the neighbouring tribe of Aslam had accepted Islam. The Prophet said of him: 'The earth has not carried, nor has the sky shaded, anyone more truthful than Abu Dharr.' He was known for his extreme asceticism and outspoken criticism of wealth accumulation.