Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum)

Sahaabah is the plural of Sahaabi.

A Sahaabi is a person who saw Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the state of Imaan and also passed away also in the state of Imaan.

Respect for the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum)

Every Muslim must have great respect for the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum). The greatest Wali cannot attain the rank of the lowest Sahaabi. The fact that a Sahaabi saw Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), made him blessed and worthy thereby making him surpass all those who are not Sahaabi. The rank that a Sahaabi holds is due to Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). That is why love and respect for a Sahaabi is an indication of the love and respect that a person has for Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Understanding of Deen and the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum)

The Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) got the opportunity to witness the revelation of Qur'aan-e-Karim. As a result, the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) had the privilege of witnessing the context in which a verse or a Surah was revealed. And this allowed them to understand the application of each verse in a better way. There are many things including small details that often cannot be expressed in writing. But the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) had the opportunity to take cognizance of this due to being in the company of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

That is why the 'Ulama have always used the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) as a decisive element in distinguishing between apparently contradictory Hadith. That is, when there are different Hadith concerning a subject, they consider the Hadith that has been approved by the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum).

Likewise, if they see that the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) does not seem to correspond to a certain Hadith, then, without hesitation, they adopt the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum). And to consider what the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) did is not called neglecting the Hadith. This is because it is inconceivable that the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) are not aware of a certain Hadith despite their effort and enthusiasm to seek the Hadith of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Moreover, it is impossible for them to oppose the Hadith of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) consciously. Thus, one must accept that they must have been in the presence of a certain directive from Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) or certain development that was not reported as a Hadith but which is indicated by the attitude that they have adopted. Finally, one did not neglect the Hadith to take what the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) did but instead one left out a Hadith due to another one which is stronger and more solid. This is a principle that everyone who learned Deen in a professional way must know. But this seems a bit strange for the general public. It is the 'Ulama who must explain this. If instead of this, a person just practices on a Hadith as it is without considering what the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) practiced in general, then this will cause immense damage to Deen. This will give the impression that, Na'uzubillah, the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) did not understand Deen well and therefore, they did not practice it well. Just as an impression of this like is an insult to the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum), likewise, it puts into doubt the authenticity of Islam at the same time.

[English version of "Sahaba-e-kiraam ‎(Radiyallahou anhoum‎)‎" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.2]