In other words, it was as though he was saying, “Islam is the source of my spiritual existence, and Islam is my mentor and guide.” What a wonderful father and what a wonderful son!
Hazrat Salmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reached a very old age. It is said that he was alive during the era of Hazrat Maseeh Isa bin Maryam (‘alaihis salaam). Some Ulama say that he was not alive at the time of Nabi isa (‘alaihis salaam), but he was alive during the time of one of the Hawaari (disciples) of Nabi Isa (‘alaihis salaam). Nevertheless, all are unanimous that his age exceeded two hundred and fifty.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “Hazrat Salmaan Faarsi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) personally related to me the incident of how he embraced Islam. He said:
I was a resident of a town called Jayy in Persia. My father was the chief of this town. My father loved me more than anyone else. He would protect me just as virgin girls are protected by their fathers, and he would not even allow me to step out of the house. We were Majoos (Zoroastrians i.e. fire-worshippers) by faith. My father appointed me as an overseer and guard over one of the fire-temples to ensure that the fire is never extinguished.
On one occasion, since my father was busy with some construction work, he was forced to send me to inspect a certain land and farm. At the time of sending me off, my father emphasized and stressed upon me that I should not be late in returning.
I set out from home, and en-route, I came across a church from which I heard some sounds. I slipped into the church to see from where the sounds were coming, and I saw that a group of Christians were engaged in prayer. I found their manner of prayer appealing and thought to myself, “This religion seems better than our religion.” I went to them and asked, “Where does this religion originate from?” They replied, “This religion originated in Shaam.”
By that time, the sun had already set. My father had been awaiting my return, (and since I was delayed,) he sent someone running to search for me. When I finally reached home, my father asked me, “O my son! Where were you?” I replied by informing him of the entire incident (of meeting the Christians in the church).
Hearing this, my father said, “There is nothing good in this religion (Christianity). The religion of your forefathers (Zoroastrianism) is better.” I retorted, “Never! By Allah, the religion of the Christians is better than our religion.”
My father then shackled me in leg-irons and restricted me from leaving the house. (This was just like how Fir’aun said to Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam), “If you take anyone other than myself as your Lord, I will place you among those who are imprisoned.” – and this is the general approach of people on falsehood.)
I then sent a secret message to the Christians asking them to inform me when the next caravan was departing for Syria. Accordingly, they later sent me a message that a trade caravan of Christians was about to leave for Syria. The moment I got the opportunity, I removed my shackles, cast them aside, fled from home and joined them.
(To be continued insha Allah)
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/418-420)