Sahaba

The Companions of the Prophet (Arabic: اَلصَّحَابَةُ, romanized: aṣ-ṣaḥāba, lit. ‘the companions’) were the Muslim disciples and followers of Muhammad who saw or met him during his lifetime. The companions played a major role in Muslim battles, society, hadith narration, and governance during and after the life of Muhammad. The era of the companions began following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, and ended in 110 AH (728 CE) when the last companion Abu al-Tufayl died.

Later Islamic scholars accepted their testimony of the words and deeds of Muhammad, the occasions on which the Quran was revealed and other important matters in Islamic history and practice. The testimony of the companions, as it was passed down through trusted chains of narrators (asānīd), was the basis of the developing Islamic tradition. From the traditions (hadith) of the life of Muhammad and his companions are drawn the Muslim way of life (sunnah), the code of conduct (sharia) it requires, and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).

The two largest Islamic denominations, the Sunni and Shia, take different approaches to weighing the value of the companions’ testimonies, have different hadith collections and, as a result, have different views about the ṣaḥābah.

The second generation of Muslims after the ṣaḥāba, born after the death of Muhammad, who knew at least one ṣaḥāba, are called Tābi’ūn (also “the successors”). The third generation of Muslims after the Tābi’ūn, who knew at least one Tābi, are called tābi’ al-tābi’īn. The three generations make up the salaf of Islam.

wikipedia/en/Companions%20of%20the%20Prophet

“The best of my nation is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.” — Hadith in Sahih Bukhari

The Sahaba (Arabic: الصحابة) are those blessed individuals who lived during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, believed in him, and had the honor of direct companionship. Their actions, sacrifices, and narrations form the living chain of transmission between the Prophet ﷺ and the rest of the Ummah.

• Definition: Performing the five daily prayers with devotion and punctuality.
• Example from the Sahaba: The Sahaba were known to leave everything, including battles, to pray on time. They safeguarded Salah as the pillar of their faith.
• Key Practice:
  • Pray consistently and on time.
  • Develop humility and focus in prayer.

• Definition: Constantly remembering Allah through recitation, gratitude, and reflection.
• Example from the Sahaba: They would engage in dhikr throughout their daily activities, praising Allah in moments of ease and hardship.
• Key Practice:
  • Make dhikr a part of your daily routine (e.g., Tasbeeh, Tahleel).
  • Reflect on Allah’s blessings and maintain a thankful heart.

• Definition: Showing kindness, humility, and respect to all Muslims.
• Example from the Sahaba: They were known for their love and care for each other. The Ansar (Helpers) of Madinah shared their wealth and homes with the Muhajirun (Migrants) who came from Makkah.
• Key Practice:
  • Avoid backbiting or harming others.
  • Help and serve fellow Muslims sincerely.

• Definition: Performing every deed solely for the pleasure of Allah.
• Example from the Sahaba: They performed good deeds privately, seeking Allah’s approval, not worldly praise. For instance, Umar (RA) used to secretly visit and help an old blind woman with her needs.
• Key Practice:
  • Purify intentions before doing any action.
  • Avoid seeking recognition or fame.

• Definition: Inviting others to Allah’s way with wisdom and patience.
• Example from the Sahaba: They traveled to distant lands to spread Islam. For instance, Muadh ibn Jabal (RA) was sent to Yemen by the Prophet (ﷺ) to teach Islam and call people to Allah.
• Key Practice:
  • Share Islamic knowledge with sincerity and wisdom.
  • Lead by example to inspire others.