50 - Muhammad informed us, saying: Waki' informed us, from Yazid ibn Ibrahim, from Ibn Sirin, that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to Abu Dharr: "When you see construction reach Sal', then leave Medina." He gestured with his hand toward Al-Sham (Syria), adding, "And I do not think your leaders will leave you to your own judgment." He (Abu Dharr) said: "I asked: O Messenger of Allah, shall I not place my sword upon my shoulder and strike with it whoever stands between me and your command?" He replied: "No, but if an Ethiopian slave with severed ears is appointed over you, then listen to him and obey." He said: "When construction reached Sal', he left until he came to Al-Sham. Mu'awiyah wrote to Uthman complaining about him, mentioning that he was inciting the people against him. Uthman wrote to him, 'Come [to Medina].' He arrived in Medina to see Uthman, and Uthman said to him: 'O Abu Dharr, stay here, and the milk-camels will come to you in the morning and evening.' Abu Dharr said: 'I have no need for them; they are yours.' Then he asked his permission to go to Al-Rabadhah, and he gave him permission. He arrived at Al-Rabadhah, which was being governed by an Ethiopian slave as an amir. When it was time for prayer, he (the amir) said to Abu Dharr: 'Go forward [to lead the prayer].' He replied: 'No, for I have been commanded that if an Ethiopian slave with severed ears is appointed over me, I am to listen to him and obey.' So the Ethiopian went forward."