One day I was riding behind God's messenger on a donkey, and when we had got beyond the houses of Medina he asked, "How will you do, Abu Dharr, when there is famine in Medina and you get up from your bed but do not reach your mosque before being overcome by hunger?" When I replied that God and His messenger knew best, he said, "Restrain yourself, Abu Dharr." He then asked, "How will you do, Abu Dharr, when there will be death in Medina and a house[1] will reach the value of a slave so that a grave will be sold for a slave?" When I replied that God and His messenger knew best he said, "You must show endurance, Abu Dharr." He then asked, "How will you do, Abu Dharr, when there is slaughter in Medina and. Ahjar az Zait[2] will be covered with blood?" When I replied that God and His messenger knew best he said, "You must go to those who are like-minded with you." I asked whether I should arm myself and replied, "You would then associate yourself with the people." So I asked God's messenger how I should act and he replied, "If you are afraid the gleam of the sword may dazzle you put the end of your garment over your face in order that [the one who kills you may bear the punishment of your sin and his." Used figuratively for a grave, the meaning being made more explicit in the words which follow. Ahjar Az-Zait, an area outside of Al Madinah. Abu Dawud transmitted it.