English Translation

Marhum narrated to us: Abu Imran al-Jawni narrated to us, from Abdullah ibn as-Samit, from Abu Dharr, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, rode a donkey and had me ride behind him, and said: "O Abu Dharr, tell me, if severe famine befalls the people such that you cannot rise from your bed to your mosque, what would you do?" I said: "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said: "Restrain yourself [from asking others]." He said: "O Abu Dharr, tell me, if severe death (plague) befalls the people such that a house comes to be [priced] at a slave" -- meaning the grave -- "what would you do?" I said: "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said: "Be patient." He said: "O Abu Dharr, tell me, if people kill one another" -- meaning until the stones of az-Zayt overflow with blood -- "what would you do?" I said: "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said: "Sit in your house and close your door upon yourself." I said: "What if I am not left alone?" He said: "Then go to those among whom you belong and be with them." I said: "Shall I take up my weapon?" He said: "Then you would be sharing in what they are engaged in. But if you fear that the gleam of the sword might frighten you, then throw the edge of your cloak over your face, so that he [who kills you] bears his own sin and yours."