The best generation of Believers after the Messengers of Allah
The honourable companions y of our beloved Master Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) were indeed the most righteous group of Believers the world has ever seen. The status of the Sahaba (R) is unparalleled. They are revered and emulated for centuries by Muslims of every era. They are crowned in the Quran with the title, ‘Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Allah.’ Numerous Qur’anic verses as well as the Ahadith contain praises of the Sahaba (R).
Notwithstanding their lofty and divinely accorded rank, certain individuals and groups revile, abuse and curse them, out of sheer hatred and prejudice. This is done with total disregard for Qur’an and Sunnah and realities of history. However, such lowly and despicable behavior shall be met with strong condemnation from those who love and honour the Sahaba (R). The offenders must realise the gravity of their crime and the deprivation that such actions bring.
It is extremely dangerous to a person’s Iman and could exterminate it. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sounded strong warnings in respect of those who denigrate the status of the Sahaba (R) in the following words: “Do not revile my Companions, do not revile my Companions. By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if one amongst you would have spent as much gold as Uhud it would not amount to one or half saa’ of one of them.” (Muslim)
“(Fear) Allah! (Fear) Allah! concerning my companions. Do not take them as a target (for criticism) after me, for he who loves them, loves me and he who hates them, hates me, and he who offends them, offends me and in turn offends Allah and he who offends Allah, Allah will seize him” (Tirmizi)
“The sign of faith is love of the helpers (Ansar), and the sign of hypocrisy is hatred of the helpers (Ansar).” (Bukhari and Muslim)
If there was no other accolade awarded to Sahaba y, it would suffice for their honour and excellence, that they were blessed with gazing upon the countenance of, and benefitting directly from the company of Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).
Darul Ihsan Centre initiated the Azamatu Ahlil Bayt was Sahaba (Praises of the honourable family and companions) programme in 2009 - a series of lectures to educate Muslims on the attributes and achievements of the Sahaba (RA). With the grace of Allah Ta’ala this campaign has been ongoing and programmes are held regularly. Thus far, 45 dedicated series of talks on Sahaba y were held in various towns and Masajid of KZN and nationally. Together with the programmes, educational material about the noble Sahaba (RA) is printed and distributed through Masjid notice boards, our website and social media. These posters can be downloaded from www.darulihsan.com.
With the current challenges facing the Ummah regarding the integrity of the Sahaba (RA), Muslims are encouraged to learn and study their illustrious lives and bring alive their legacy so we can earn the pleasure of Almighty Allah just as they had.
