XAD
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Stories of the Companions

Salman Al-Farisi

سَلْمَان الْفَارِسِيّ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ

Moat Strategy Proponent

Salman Al-Farisi RA came from Persia and went on a long journey searching for the truth through various religious teachers before finally meeting and embracing Islam with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Medina. He is known for proposing the strategy of digging trenches (khandaq) to defend Medina from siege by allied forces - a tactic that had never been known to the Arabs before and proved to be a salvation for the Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ called him part of the Ahlul Bait because of his closeness and example.

1

Persian Truth Seekers

Salman Al-Farisi came from Persia, originally a fire worshiper, then converted to Christianity and wandered from teacher to teacher looking for the true religion. His last teacher announced that a prophet would come to Arabia with certain signs, so Salman set out to look for him.

📖 QS Al-Baqarah: 62

2

Finding the Awaited Prophet

During his journey, Salman was tricked and sold as a slave until he reached Medina. When the Prophet ﷺ migrated, Salman tested the signs of prophethood: receiving gifts but not eating alms, and having a prophetic seal on his back. Everything matched, and Salman was a believer.

📖 QS Al-A'raf: 157

3

The Idea of Trenches in the Khandaq War

During the Battle of Ahzab, Salman proposed digging a ditch (khandaq) around Medina — a Persian strategy unknown to the Arabs — so that the allied forces would fail to penetrate the city. The Muhajirin and Ansar both claimed it, then the Prophet ﷺ said, "Salman is part of our family, ahlul bait."

📖 QS Al-Ahzab: 9–11

4

A Governor Who Lives Simply

Salman was appointed governor of Mada'in during Umar's time, but continued to live from his handiwork weaving date palm leaves, sleeping on the veranda, and distributing his salary to the poor. He is an example that knowledge, wisdom and power do not shake asceticism.

📖 QS Al-Hasyr: 9