He was commonly called “Abu Hurairah” and he became so famous by this name that his real name was forgotten. The reason for being given this name is mentioned in ‘Tabqaat Ibn Sa’ad’, Hadhrat Abu Hurairah He says that there was a little kitten that he would place on the branch of a tree at night and take off in the morning. He would play with it and because of his affinity to it was commonly called “Abu Hurairah” (father of the kitten).
Remaining in the service of Rasulullaah was the highlight of his life which led him to being blessed with the knowledge of Rasulullaah and the reaping the blessings of being in his company. He would say,
“When Rasulullaah would go to relieve himself then I would take water for him with which he would purify
himself. I would then bring another container of water with which Rasulullaah would then make Wudhu (ablution).”
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