Was abu dharr al-ghifari "Exiled" to al-rabadha? A review on the relations between caliph 'Uthman and abu dharr al-ghifari

Abstract

The period after the Prophet Muhammad is significant in many respects. In particular, the events that took place during the time of the third caliph 'Uthman, have a distinct importance because they had a profound impact on the future development of Islamic society. An important aspect of this period that affected political, religious, and social life during Islamic history was the relation between Caliph 'Uthman and Abu Dharr, which resulted in Abu Dharr going to al-Rabadha. There are significant differences in the narratives related to these events. In some accounts, Abu Dharr went to al-Rabadha on his own request, whereas in others, he was sent into exile by the Caliph 'Uthman because he protested his regime for corruption. This article aims to examine the relations between Caliph Uthman and Abu Dharr in three steps: Abu Dharr's leaving to Damascus; the events that occurred between Abu Dharr and Mu'awiya; Abu Dharr's coming back to Medina and then leaving (or being exiled) to al-Rabadha.