Introduction

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Dedication

To the paragons of guidance, the luminaries of humankind…

Those who illuminated the path and paved the way…

The quintessential, saintly leaders of Islam…

To those who hold dear the Rasul’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam era; an era of true union, love and affection…

To those who earnestly strive in attaining their godliness…

Aspiring to follow in their footsteps and with the ardent hope of uncovering their innermost realities…

I journey with all my thoughts and emotions to the loftiest generation, the generation of Taha, Yasin, and Nun salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

Abstract

The social milieu that existed among ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and his fellow companions, the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum, is an extraordinary exposition of brotherhood. This notion is clearly reflected in the attitude shown by the Ahlul Bayt (the Family of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) towards the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum. The honourable rank of the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum and the entire first generation of Muslims is unquestioned and a recognised tenet by all. In fact, there is an ijma’ (consensus) in this regard. As such, the Qur’an and Sunnah are unequivocal in this regard.

To further expound upon this, mention will be made of the virtues of the esteemed Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum in light of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and finally, through transmitted reports from both Sunni and Shia sources; in order for the truth to manifest itself for anyone in pursuit of it.

Preface

Allah Ta’ala selected the Arabs from all the peoples in this world, and from the Arabs, He selected the tribe of Quraysh, and from the tribe of Quraysh, He selected Banu Hashim, and from Banu Hashim, He selected our beloved master, Muhammad salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allah Ta’ala favoured him over all other creation. He enjoys the highest station and rank (with Allah Ta’ala), and as such every individuals’ station (with Allah Ta’ala) is in proportion to their connection and love with the Rasul of Allah. Allah Ta’ala also chose for Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam the best of faiths and He made it such that both his era and city (Makkah) were the most glorious and majestic. Allah Ta’ala made the Qur’an a protector for all (previous) Books. Anyone who had the privilege and honour of meeting Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (with faith in him and his message), and died with that conviction in his heart, was considered to be his blessed Sahabi. It is mentioned in an authentic hadith that two-thirds of the Nabi’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ummah will occupy Jannah.

The virtues of the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum are acknowledged by both the Qur’an and the Sunnah. They were considered the best of generations and the most upright for one main reason: they enjoyed the company of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. When they were called upon to accept the message of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, they responded in turn by saying:

رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِياً يُنَادِىْ لِلْإِيْمَانِ أَنْ ءَامِنُواْ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَاٰمَنَّا رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئٰـتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الاٌّبْرَارِ – رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَّنَا عَلٰى رُسُلِكَ وَلاَ تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيٰمَةؕ ِ إِنَّكَ لاَ تُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ

Our Rabb, indeed we have heard a caller (i.e. Nabi Muhammad salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) calling to faith, (saying): “Believe in your Rabb,” and we have believed. Our Rabb, so forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die among the righteous. Our Rabb, and grant us what You promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, You do not fail in (Your) promise.^[1]

This virtue (of suhbah) is something Allah Ta’ala grants to whomsoever He desires. This is an axiomatic fact; and only he whom Allah Ta’ala has misguided and blinded his eyes (from the truth) — thereby following his desires — can deny this. ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud radiya Llahu ‘anhu is reported to have said:

Allah Ta’ala looked into the hearts of His slaves and found the heart of Muhammad salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to be the purest; Allah then chose him because of His knowledge of him and sent him to deliver His message. Thereafter, Allah Ta’ala looked into the hearts of His slaves and found the Sahabah’s radiya Llahu ‘anhum hearts to be the purest and soundest; and so He selected them to be the bastions of His religion and the aides to His Rasul salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Therefore, whatever is deemed hasan (appropriate) by the Muslims it is also considered hasan by Allah Ta’ala. And whatever they consider inappropriate, it is also inappropriate by Allah Ta’ala.^[2]

 

NEXT⇒ Virtues of the Sahabah in Light of the Qur’an and the Benefits of Suhbah

^[1]  Surah Al ‘Imran: 193

^[2]  Imam Ahmed: Musnad Ahmed

Imam al Bayhaqi: Shu’ab al Iman

Abu Dawood al Tayalisi: Musnad al Tayalisi