It is narrated from Shahr bin Hawshab, he says: ‘Abdur Rahman bin Ghanm told us that he went to visit Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) in Homs and stayed with him for several nights. He (Abu Darda) ordered a saddle to be placed on his donkey. Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I will also go along with you. He ordered a cushion to be placed on his donkey. Both of them mounted their respective donkeys and set out on a journey. They met a man who had performed the Friday prayer with Sayyiduna Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) in Jabiyah just one day before. He recognized both of them, but they did not recognize him. He informed them about the conditions of the people, then he said: There is one more piece of news, but I do not want to tell you, I know you will not like this news. Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) exclaimed: Perhaps Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) has been exiled from the city? He said: Yes, by Allah! The incident has indeed occurred. Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) and his companion ‘Abdur Rahman bin Ghanm repeated the words "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" about ten times. Then Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Now wait for Allah’s punishment upon these people and keep watching what happens. This is just like the matter when it was said to those who hamstrung the she-camel of Salih (peace be upon him): Spend three days in your homes. Then Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: O Allah! If these people belie Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), let them do so, I do not belie his word. O Allah! If these people accuse him, let them do so, I do not lay any accusation upon him. O Allah! If these people want to overpower him, let them do so, I will not try to overpower him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to trust him when he would not trust anyone else, and he used to confide secrets to him when he would not confide in anyone else. By the One in Whose hand is the life of Abu Darda! If Abu Dharr were to cut off my right hand, I would not be angry with him, because I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: The earth has not carried, nor has the sky shaded, anyone more truthful than Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him).