Unveiling the History of the Tomb of Abu Darda
Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Damascus, Syria, the Tomb of Abu Darda, a revered landmark whispering tales of Islamic scholarship and piety. More than just a burial site, this tranquil sanctuary serves as a final resting place for a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a prominent Islamic scholar. Let’s embark on a journey through time to explore the captivating story of this historic tomb:
- Kathir bin Qais recounts: “I sat with Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) in a mosque in Damascus, when someone approached him, expressing, ‘O Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه), I’ve journeyed from Madinah to hear a Hadith directly from you.'”
Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) inquired, “Have you any other business in Damascus?” The person replied, “No.” Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) persisted, “Are you certain there’s nothing else?” The person affirmed, “My sole purpose is to learn this Hadith.” Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) then relayed, “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say, ‘Allah facilitates the path to Paradise for one who travels to seek knowledge. Angels spread their wings beneath his feet, and all beings in the heavens and earth, even the fish in the water, seek forgiveness for him. The superiority of a knowledgeable person over a mere worshipper is like that of the moon over the stars. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets (Alaihis-salaam); the legacy they leave behind is not gold or silver but knowledge. Whoever acquires knowledge has indeed gained immense wealth.'”
Abu-Darda (رضي الله عنه) stands out among the Sahabah for his profound knowledge in religion, earning him the title ‘Hakeem-ul-Ummah’ (The Sage of the Muslim Community). He once remarked, “Before Islam, I earned a livelihood through trade. However, upon embracing Islam, I attempted to balance serving Allah with my business endeavors, but found it impossible. Thus, I abandoned commerce entirely and dedicated myself solely to the service of Allah. Even if I were to have a shop at the gate of a mosque and faced no risk of missing a single prayer, and even if that shop yielded a daily profit of 40 dinars, which I could spend entirely in the path of Allah, I would still refrain from engaging in business.” When asked for the reason, he responded, “Due to the fear of being held accountable before Allah.”
- Abu-Darda (رضي الله عنه) narrated 179 ahadith.
- He passed away in 32 AH.
Maqam Abi Darda in Alexandria
The structure believed to enshrine the tomb of Abu Darda is situated in the heart of Alexandria, Egypt, within a residential neighborhood. Inscribed in green Khat riq’ah script, it reads: “Haaza maqamun sayyidi Abi Darda’, as-sohaabi” (This is the resting place of our master Abu Darda’, the companion). Additionally, the Maqam Abu al-Dardaa mosque, established during the Ayyubid era, is found in the frankincense area adjacent to the Omari Mosque in central Alexandria.
Mausoleum-shrine of Abu Darda in Jordan
The shrine of the companion Abu al-Darda (مقام أبي الدرداء) in Jordan is situated in the quaint town of Soom (سوم), approximately 15 km away from the city of Irbid. Positioned atop a modest peak, the cenotaph is housed within a small square edifice. Reconstructed in 1966, the maqam is crafted from white limestone and comprises a single square chamber crowned with a dome at its center. Adorned with two windows and an entrance from the south, it stands as a testament to the revered companion.
Early Islamic Period (7th Century CE)
- Uncertain Date: The exact date of the Tomb of Abu Darda’s construction remains unclear. However, historical accounts suggest it likely emerged sometime during the early Islamic period, following the passing of Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) in the 7th century CE.
A Companion of the Prophet (ﷺ)
- 7th Century CE: Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه), also known as Abud Darda al-Ansari, was a close companion of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He is renowned for his unwavering devotion to Islam, his deep knowledge of the Quran and Hadith, and his commitment to a simple and ascetic life.
A Legacy of Knowledge:
- 7th Century CE – Onwards: Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) becomes revered as a prominent scholar in the early Islamic world. His teachings on Quranic recitation, jurisprudence, and asceticism leave a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship. His tomb, therefore, becomes a pilgrimage site for students and scholars seeking inspiration from his legacy.
A Tranquil Sanctuary:
- Present Day: The Tomb of Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) stands as a symbol of Islamic heritage. The simple structure, often adorned with traditional Islamic calligraphy, offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Visitors from all walks of life come to pay their respects and seek inspiration from the life and teachings of Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه).
A Reminder of Faith and Knowledge:
The Tomb of Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of knowledge, piety, and devotion in Islam. His legacy continues to inspire Muslims worldwide to strive for a deeper understanding of their faith and to lead a life dedicated to serving Allah (SWT).
References: Own Research, Wikipedia
Please note that this entry is provided for informational purposes only. It is imperative not to engage in praying to graves or seeking supplication through them, as this constitutes associating partners with Allah (ﷻ), which is strictly prohibited.
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