Companions of the Prophet ﷺ (Sahabah)

The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ (Sahabah)

Carriers of Faith and Preservers of Islam

Introduction

The Sahabah were the noble men and women who lived during the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, believed in him, and supported him until their last breath. They are the first generation of Islam, chosen by Allah to accompany His Messenger and carry the message to the world.

Virtues of the Sahabah

They sacrificed wealth, status, and even their lives for the sake of Islam. Some were early converts like Abu Bakr as-Siddiq رضي الله عنه, some were brave warriors like Khalid ibn al-Walid رضي الله عنه, and others were known for their knowledge, like Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه. The female companions, such as Khadijah رضي الله عنها and Aisha رضي الله عنها, also played vital roles in supporting the Prophet ﷺ and preserving the deen.

“The first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them exactly, Allah is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Him.” Qur’an 9:100

Their Role in Islam

The Qur’an praises them, and the Prophet ﷺ taught that loving them is part of faith. They transmitted the Qur’an, preserved the Sunnah, and laid the foundation of the Muslim ummah.

“Do not revile my Companions, for if any of you were to spend gold equal to Uhud, it would not equal a mudd (small measure) spent by one of them, nor even half of it.” Sahih al-Bukhari 3673

Lessons from Their Lives

Studying their lives teaches us loyalty, courage, humility, and sacrifice. They are role models for every generation, showing what it means to live with ikhlas (sincerity), taqwa (God-consciousness), sabr (patience), and shukr (gratitude) in the service of Allah.

Addressing Misconceptions

• Not infallible: The Sahabah were human, but their overall righteousness is praised by Allah and His Messenger.
• Not only men: Female companions like Khadijah and Aisha رضي الله عنهما were central to supporting and transmitting Islam.
• Loving them is part of faith: Hatred of the Sahabah contradicts the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Classical scholars such as Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Ibn Hajar emphasized that speaking ill of the companions is a deviation from sound belief.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 9:100 : Allah’s pleasure with the Sahabah.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 3673 : Virtue of the companions over later generations.
• Sahih Muslim 2533 : The Prophet ﷺ warning against insulting his companions.

Secondary Sources

• Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah : Biographies of the companions.
• Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Fada’il al-Sahabah : Narrations on their virtues.
• Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah : Affirmation of their status in creed.