It is deeply unfortunate that the controversy between Shia and Sunni sects about the status of the first generation of Muslims, the Prophet Muhammad’s companions (Allah be pleased with them), continues unabated fourteen centuries later.
There is barely a day in the dark and unforgiving world of social media, where much bile is not spilled about those whom the Quran has declared to be the best people raised amongst mankind.
I do not subscribe to sectarian labels, and generally avoid discussions about unproductive historical issues. The Quran is clear, our focus should be our own actions and not those of our predecessors, as we will not be held to account for what others did and did not do (2:141)
However, I think it is important to shed some light on the status of the Prophet’s companions in light of the Quran to dispel some of the doubts that might creep into unsuspecting minds about these honourable individuals.
It is worth reminding oneself, that the Quran has given a series of golden rules of conduct to believers that describe backbiting of others as ‘eating the flesh of one’s dead brother’ and condemn negative assumptions about others as being sinful see article here. In view of these rules itself (quite apart from the specific evidence from the Quran to the contrary), it cannot be right for us to assume the worst about the first believers who we did not see ourselves and should therefore be more willing to accept positive reports about them and adopt a respectful rather than a spiteful attitude towards them.
The Quran as Evidence
Shia and Sunni books of history present diametrically opposed pictures of the companions. The Quran is ‘al-furqan’ the distinguisher of right and wrong. Let us therefore a brief look at what the Quran says about the earliest believers, for there cannot be any stronger testimony that God’s own word.
Those who emigrated from Meccan (Muhajareen) and those who opened there homes and hearts for them in Medina (Ansar) have been assured of Allah’s forgiveness and pleasure as follows:
And the first to lead the way, of the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and those who followed them in goodness – Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him, and He hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph.
Al-Quran 9:100
The Quran paints an inspiring picture of the companions as a whole, when it describes them in the following beautiful words:
Muhammad is the Rasul of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating (in prayer), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) pleasure. Their mark (i.e. sign) is on their faces (i.e. foreheads) from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Injil is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers – so that He (i.e., Allah) may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward
Al-Quran 48:29
The most conclusive verse is however the following which clearly describes the Muslims of the time of the Prophet (saw) as the best nation ever known to mankind:
You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah..
Al – Quran 3:110
Clearly the above verses are not describing a minority or a small number amongst a larger group. The construction of the sentences is explicit that the largest group of the companions are righteous, beloved of God and the best nation ever produced as an example for mankind. This makes the Shia position that all but a handful of companions were hypocrites (God forbid) in direct contradiction to the above verses of the Quran.
Equally the Quran is clear in assuring those who migrated from Mecca of Allah’s pleasure. This includes the first three Khalufa Rasheedun Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA) and the Mother of the believers, Aisha (Peace be upon her). Therefore any historical reports that present these personalities in a negative light clearly cannot be accepted in light of the clear texts of the Quran.
Allah forgave their lapses
The Quranic position is not that the companions were sinless or infallible. Indeed we know that some of them did make errors, which are referred to in the Quran. However Allah has indicated that he has pardoned all their sins (9:117, 9:102, 3:115)
It should be remembered that Allah knows the past and the future. If he knew that people would adopt the wrong path or mistreat the Prophet’s family after the Prophet’s time, he would have never assured them of his forgiveness and acceptance in the Quran.
If Allah has forgiven them their human lapses, who are we to do otherwise?
Who were the hypocrites?
The Quran clarifies that the hypocrites were not from the Muhajareen or Ansar, nor amongst those who became Muslim after the conquest of Mecca (i.e. Amir Muawiya) but rather from some of the people of Medina and the bedouins (9:101). Therefore the claim that any of the earliest companions were not sincere believers, or about those who accepted Islam in Mecca after the Prophet entered victorious, is contradictory to this verse of the Quran.
Keeping one’s heart free of bad feeling towards the companions
Finally it should be observed that Allah wants us to keep our heart pure of ill-feeling towards the companions. Nothing could be a better indicator of there exalted status compared to other Muslims.The Quran states that true believers pray to Allah to keep there hearts clean towards them and ask Allah for their forgiveness, not curse and slander them as some are wont to do :
“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.”
59:10