Abu al-Jahdham al-Azdi, from his father (who was from the people of Sham),said:
When Uthman expelled Abu Dharr from Madinah to Damascus, he (i.e. Abu Dharr) used to narrate to us, beginning with the praise to Allah and testifying the Oneness of Allah and Muhmmad’s Prophethood, invoking divine blessings upon the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny. Then he would say: “We were in the era of ignorance before the Book was revealed to us, and the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, was sent among us; yet we were faithful in promise, truthful in speech, kind to neighbours, hospitable to guests, comforting the poor (hating the arrogant).
And when Allah, Most High, sent to us His messenger, peace be upon him and his progeny, and revealed His Book, our behaviour were pleasing to Allah and His messenger, and the people of Islam were worthier to practice them; and to safeguard them. So, they remained with these attributes for as long as Allah willed.
Now, the rulers have introduced evil acts of which we did not know; discarding the Tradition of the Prophet and introducing the innovations. A truthful person is held a liar, generosity is displayed without fear of Allah and a trustworthy from among the righteous people is deprived. O Allah! If you have destined good for me, then take me away into Your proximity, without having changed.” He used to repeat these words openly.
Then Habib ibn Maslamah came to Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan and said: “Surely, Abu Dharr is arousing people against you by saying such and such things.” So Mu’awiyah wrote to Uthman about it and Uthman replied: “Send him back to me.” When Abu Dharr arrived in Madinah, Uthman exiled him to al-Rabdhah.