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The Rank And Honour Of The Noble Companions

The Sahabah (R) were the selected companions of our beloved Master Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). They accepted and embraced Iman with full faith and affirmed this through their practice and commitment to the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). They are universally acknowledged as the 'Sahabah' by virtue of their direct companionship of our beloved Leader, Guide and Master, Nabi Muhammad r. They enjoyed the noble company of the Messenger r and were the perfect example of the prophetic model. The Sahabah were the most righteous people after the Messengers (AS). No saint can ever surpass the rank of a single Sahabi. The status of the Sahaba (R) is indeed unparalleled and hence, their respect, reverence and emulation is incumbent. They are crowned in the Qur'an with the title, 'Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Allah.'

PILLARS OF GUIDANCE

Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) encouraged us to remain firm upon the example of the Sahabah and to regard them as our pillars of guidance.

Hazrat Jabir (R) narrates that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “My companions are like stars, whosoever of them you follow, you will be rightly guided.” (Razeen)

Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) stressed upon the importance of holding onto the guidance, teachings and practices of the Four Rightly Guided Khulafa: Hazrat Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (R).

FOLLOW THE RIGHTLY GUIDED LEADERS

The Khulafa Rashideen - four rightly guided leaders - were from the closest of the companions to Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Many virtues and glad tidings having been mentioned about them and their service to the Ummah in its formative years. Collectively, they made unparalleled contributions to the glorious history of Islam.

The status of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) was much greater than every Sahabi, and he was the best of men after the Messengers. Hazrat Umar (R) would have been a Messenger if there was to be a Messenger after Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Uthman (R) was unmatched in his modesty, generosity, and services to Islam in his era of leadership, and Hazrat Ali (R) was valiant, courageous, wise, humble and most beloved to the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Hazrat Irbadh bin Sariya (R) narrates that once after leading the Salah, Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) turned to the Sahabah (R) and delivered a lecture that caused their eyes to flow with tears and their hearts to tremble. Someone said, "O Rasulullah! This lecture appears to be a parting advice so do tell us about the things that you wish to emphasise." Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "I advise you to fear Allah and obey (your leader) even if he is an Abyssinian slave, because those coming after me shall witness great turmoil.

(During these turbulent times) You should keep practicing my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my rightly guided Khulafa. Hold fast to this and 'bite hard' into it. Beware of innovations because every innovation is a bid'ah and every innovation leads to deviation." (Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES OF DISHONOURING THE SAHABAH

To dishonour, denigrate and disrespect the Sahaba poses a great danger to a person's Iman. Whilst outwardly it might look as if one is disrespecting a singular individual, or a few individuals from among the companions, in reality it is showing disregard, displeasure and contempt for Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) Allah Ta'ala. Can a servant despise those who Allah Ta'ala and Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) love and accept?

Reviling the Sahabah is also a direct contravention of various Ahadith of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam):

1. “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 Mount Uhud it would not amount to as much as one date, or half of it spent by them.” (Muslim)

2. “Allah! Allah! (Beware) never to oppose my companions. Do not take them as a target (of abuse) after me, He who loves them, loves me due to his love for me, and the one who hates them, hates them because of his hatred for me, and he who offends them, offends me and in turn offends Allah and he who offends Allah, Allah will deal with him.” (Tirmizi)

3. “The sign of faith is to love the helpers (Ansar), and the sign of hypocrisy is hatred for the helpers.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

The honour of the illustrious Sahabah y should always be held in the highest esteem and they should be accorded their due respect. Without Sahabah y, there would be no link between us and Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Sahabah are the practical manifestation of the teachings of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). If there was no other accolade awarded to Sahabah, it would suffice for their honour and excellence, that they were blessed with gazing upon the noble countenance, and benefitting directly from him.

'AZAMATU AHLIL BAYT WAS SAHABAH' EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

Darul Ihsan Centre initiated the 'Azamatu Ahlil Bayt was Sahabah' programme in 2009. The programme is an educational series of talks, programmes, booklets and media content to educate Muslims on the great rank of the Sahabah. The objective of the campaign is to revive the awareness, virtues, teachings and achievements of the noble companions. With the Grace of Allah Ta'ala this campaign has been ongoing and programmes are held regularly. Thus far, an unbroken chain of over 45 dedicated programmes on Sahabah were held in various towns and Masajid of South Africa. Together with the programmes regular educational material about the noble Sahabah is printed and promoted through the Masjid notice boards, website and social media. These posters can be downloaded from www.darulihsan.com.

Muslims are encouraged to learn and study their illustrious lives and bring alive their legacy so we can also earn the pleasure of Almighty Allah just as they had.