The Value of a Companion

Companions have a high rank and an unmatched glory but we have to notice that their rank and glory was not given to them as an unearned gift. They became attached to the Prophet (pbuh) from the very beginning of their choice of Islam as their religion, and they carried out the requirements of their new religion in humble submission. Although they came to believe in Islam at different times, they spent the greatest part of their lives with the Prophet of Allah, obeyed his advice and decisions, and made great sacrifices together with the Prophet for the sake of the exaltation and transmission of Islam. There was no fear, threat or pressure, compelling them to accept and to live according to the new religion. On the contrary, there were those among them under constant threat by circles hostile to Islam while performing their duties, who were subjected to persecution, torture and even killed; some were compelled to leave their homes and worldly possessions as well to migrate to other cities in Arabia or to other countries, but there were none who renounced their belief and devotion to Allah and His Messenger. This shows that the companions gained their superior merit and privileged status because of their submission, self-sacrifice and exemplary behaviour.

Allah glorifies the companions in many verses of the Quran because of these valuable qualities. To summarize in a few points, the Quran has informed that the companions were an exemplary society in every regard who had gained great merit through a complete devotion to Allah and His Messenger, and that Allah was content with them just like they were content with Allah and that gardens in Paradise were prepared in which they were to live forever. It further indicates that this was a distinguished generation for they were promised total forgiveness and a great reward as loyal believers. As true Muslims, they were helping Allah and His Messenger, prioritizing the needs of other believers over their own even though they were in even similar or greater need, thus deserving their high rank, salvation and forgiveness.

When the Prophet mentioned these generous people with whom he spent his life, he would describe them as the most favorable generation in the history of humankind, the best of the Muslim community (ummah), the ones that the fire of Hell could not burn, and as the dwellers of Paradise. These set forth, he advised the general body of Muslims to treat them kindly and to refrain from being disrespectful.