Outstanding Contributions of Sahaba Keram ()
“…Those who believe in him, and respect him, and support him, and follow the light (Qur’an) that revealed unto him – these are the successful ones.” (7:157)
Sahaba Keram (), the companions of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) were the ardent followers of Islam. In response to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) call, they accepted Islam as their religion and became devout Muslims. Following the message of the Qur’an and Sunnah, they changed their previous religious belief, rectified their norms and practices, discarded evil deeds, and thus purified their souls. They received the necessary inspiration from the Prophet (ﷺ) to devote themselves to doing good deeds and growing spiritually. Under the direct supervision of the Prophet (ﷺ), Sahaba Keram () received the teachings of Deen Islam. True Imaan and good deeds cleansed their hearts and enlightened them with piety and virtues. Their devoutness, integrity, commitment, and sacrifice for the Islamic faith were unique and highly acclaimed. Their outstanding contributions to Islam are summarized below:
- Sahaba Keram () became so steadfast that they endured all types of persecution in their efforts for the cause of Islam. Severe oppression and repression of the Quraysh leaders could not prevent them from their Imaan (belief).
- They sacrificed their time, energy, wealth, and even lives to establish Islam as Allah’s chosen Deen on earth. Their love and sacrifice for the cause of Islam were unquestionable.
- Their conviction, devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (ﷺ) was so high that whenever they would hear any message revealed to them, they would say: “we hear and we obey”(2:285). They would cherish the Prophet (ﷺ) above their own lives, wealth, and children.
- They used to compete with each other in doing good deeds, giving priority to others’ needs instead of their own, and showing good manners and behaviors.
- They fought the enemies of Islam valiantly under the gifted leadership of the Prophet (ﷺ) and many of them became martyred for the cause of Islam.
- Many of them were sent as envoys of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to the rulers of various countries to invite them to the faith of Islam.
As a result of all the above contributions of Sahaba Keram (), a model Islamic state was established in Madinah, and the Islamic faith soon spread all over the world. In recognition of the contribution of Sahaba Keram (), Allah (SWT) was pleased with them, and promised them victory in this world and a great reward in the hereafter. He appreciated their contributions and sacrifices towards Islam in the Qur’an and termed them as ‘The Best Ummah’. They were the chosen people of Allah (SWT) for the welfare of mankind. The Prophet (ﷺ) compared them to Islam’s shining stars. Many examples of their high status are described in the Books of Hadith. Their sacrifice for Deen Islam, served as a model for the Muslim Ummah.
Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an about Sahaba Keram ():
اَلَّذِیْنَ یَتَّبِعُوْنَ الرَّسُوْلَ النَّبِیَّ الْاُمِّیَّ الَّذِیْ یَجِدُوْنَہٗ مَکْتُوْبًا عِنْدَهُمْ فِی التَّوْرٰىۃِ وَالْاِنْجِیْلِ ۫ یَاْمُرُهُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهٰهُمْ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَیُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّیِّبٰتِ وَیُحَرِّمُ عَلَیْهِمُ الْخَبٰٓئِثَ وَیَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ اِصْرَهُمْ وَالْاَغْلٰلَ الَّتِیْ كَانَتْ عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ فَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا بِہٖ وَعَزَّرُوْهُ وَنَصَرُوْهُ وَاتَّبَعُوا النُّوْرَ الَّذِیْۤ اُنْزِلَ مَعَہٗۤ ۙ اُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ
“Those who follow the Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in the ‘Tourat’ (Torah) and the ‘Injeel’ (Gospel) in their possession. He directs them to righteousness, and deters them from evil, and allows for them all good things, and prohibits them from impurities, and unloads the burdens and the shackles that are upon them. Those who believe in him, and respect him, and support him, and follow the light (Qur’an) that revealed unto him – these are the successful ones.” (7:157)
Sahaba Keram () accepted this call of the Qur’an and prayed to Almighty Allah saying:
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِیًا یُّنَادِیْ لِلْاِیْمَانِ اَنْ اٰمِنُوْا بِرَبِّکُمْ فَاٰمَنَّا ٭ۖ رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَیِّاٰتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْاَبْرَارِ رَبَّنَا وَاٰتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَّنَا عَلٰی رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَۃِ ؕ اِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِیْعَادَ
“Our Lord, surely, we have heard a caller calling to the faith: ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, and remit our misdeeds, and make us die in the company of the virtuous. Our Lord and give us what You have promised us through Your messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Surely You never break a promise.” (3:193 – 194)
In response to this prayer of Sahaba Keram Allah (SWT) replied:
فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ اَنِّیْ لَاۤ اُضِیْعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنْکُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ اَوْ اُنْثٰی ۚ بَعْضُکُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْضٍ ۚ فَالَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا وَاُخْرِجُوْا مِنْ دِیَارِهِمْ وَاُوْذُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِیْ وَقٰتَلُوْا وَقُتِلُوْا لَاُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَیِّاٰتِهِمْ وَلَاُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِیْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ ۚ ثَوَابًا مِّنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عِنْدَہٗ حُسْنُ الثَّوَابِ
“And so, their Lord accepted their prayer saying: ‘I will not waste the effort of any person among you, whether male or female. You are mutually one. For those who emigrated, and were expelled from their homes, and were persecuted because of Me, and fought and were killed – I will remit for them their sins and will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow – a reward from Allah. With Allah is the ultimate reward.” (3:195)
وَ اِذَا جَآءَكَ الَّذِیْنَ یُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاٰیٰتِنَا فَقُلْ سَلٰمٌ عَلَیْکُمْ كَتَبَ رَبُّکُمْ عَلٰی نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَۃَ ۙ اَنَّہٗ مَنْ عَمِلَ مِنْکُمْ سُوْٓءًۢ ابِجَهَالَۃٍ ثُمَّ تَابَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِہٖ وَ اَصْلَحَ فَاَنَّہٗ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ
“(O Prophet) And when those who believe in Our signs, come to you, then tell them. ‘Peace be upon you! Your Lord has made it His own responsibility to bestow mercy upon you. When one amongst you indulges in evil out of ignorance, subsequently return back (with repentance) and do good deeds, then Allah is truly the most Pardoning and Kind.” (6:54)
The Best Ummah
The earliest Muslims like ‘Muhajireen’ (Immigrants from Makkah) and ‘Ansar’ (Helpers of Madinah) are called as the Best Ummah. They exerted their tremendous efforts, made supreme sacrifices and unique contributions for Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) said about them: “You are the final of seventy nations, you are the best and most honored among them to Allah.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Al-Hakim). Allah (SWT) says:
كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ اُمَّةٍ اُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللهِ ۗ وَلَوْ اٰمَنْ اَهْلُ الْكِتٰبِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُم ط مِّنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَاَكْثَرُهُمُ الْفٰسِقُوْنَ
“You are the best Ummah ever raised up for mankind because you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah. Had the People of the Scripture believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are the believers, but most of them are sinners.” (3:110)
اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ ۙ اُولٰٓئِكَ هُمْ خَیْرُ الْبَرِیَّۃِ جَزَآؤُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنّٰتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِیْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِیْنَ فِیْهَاۤ اَبَدًا ؕ رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوْا عَنْهُ ؕ ذٰلِكَ لِمَنْ خَشِیَ رَبَّہٗ
“As for those who believe and lead a righteous life – these are the best of creatures. Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eternity beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is for whoever fears His Lord. (98:7 – 8)
وَ لَا تَهِنُوْا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوْا وَاَنْتُمُ الْاَعْلَوْنَ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِیْنَ اِنْ یَّمْسَسْکُمْ قَرْحٌ فَقَدْ مَسَّ الْقَوْمَ قَرْحٌ مِّثْلُہٗ ؕ وَتِلْكَ الْاَیَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَیْنَ النَّاسِ ۚ وَلِیَعْلَمَ اللّٰهُ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَیَتَّخِذَ مِنْکُمْ شُهَدَآءَ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ لَا یُحِبُّ الظّٰلِمِیْنَ
“And do not lose heart, nor feel remorse. You are the superior ones, if you are believers. If a wound afflicts you, a similar wound has afflicted the others. Such days We alternate between the people, that Allah may know those who believe, and take martyrs from among you. Allah does not love the evildoers.” (3:139 – 140)
مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللهِ ط وَالَّذِيْنَ مَعَه اَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاۤءُ بَيْنَهُمْ تَرٰىهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَّبْتَغُوْنَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللهِ وَرِضْوٰنًا ط سِيْمَاهُمْ فِىْ وُجُوْهِهِمْ مِّنْ اَثَرِ السُّجُوْدِ ط ذٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِى التَّوْرٰىةِ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِى الْاِنْجِيْلِ ط كَزَرْعٍ اَخْرَجَ شَطْـَٔه فَـَٔازَرَه فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوٰى عَلٰى سُوْقِه يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيْغِيْظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ ط وَعَدَ اللهُ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوْا الصّٰلِحٰتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَّاَجْرًا عَظِيْمًۢا
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Those with him are stern against the disbelievers, yet compassionate amongst themselves. You see them kneeling, prostrating, seeking blessings from Allah and approval. Their marks are on their faces from the effects of prostration. Such is their description in the Torah, and their description in the Gospel: like a plant that sprouts, becomes strong, grows thick, and rests on its stem, impressing the farmers. Through them He enrages the disbelievers. Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward to those among them who believe and do good deeds.” (48:29)
Allah exchanged Paradise with Believers
اِنَّ اللّٰهَ اشْتَرٰی مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ اَنْفُسَهُمْ وَاَمْوَالَهُمْ بِاَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّۃَ ؕ یُقَاتِلُوْنَ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ فَیَقْتُلُوْنَ وَیُقْتَلُوْنَ وَعْدًا عَلَیْهِ حَقًّا فِی التَّوْرٰىۃِ وَالْاِنْجِیْلِ وَالْقُرْاٰنِ ؕ وَمَنْ اَوْفٰی بِعَہْدِہٖ مِنَ اللّٰهِ فَاسْتَبْشِرُوْا بِبَیْعِکُمُ الَّذِیْ بَایَعْتُمْ بِہٖ ؕ وَ ذٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِیْمُ
“Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties in exchange for Paradise. They fight in Allah’s way, and they kill and get killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Qur’an. And who is more-true to his promise than Allah? So, rejoice in making such an exchange – that is the supreme triumph.” (9:111)
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَّشْرِىْ نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللهِ ۗ وَاللهُ رَءُوْفٌۢ بِالْعِبَادِ
“And among the people is he who sells himself (sacrifice everything) seeking Allah’s pleasure. Allah is kind towards the servants.” (2:207)
لٰكِنِ الرَّسُوْلُ وَالَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مَعَه جٰهَدُوْا بِاَمْوٰلِهِمْ وَاَنْفُسِهِمْ وَاُوْلٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ الْخَيْرٰتُ وَاُوْلٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ اَعَدَّ اللهُ لَهُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِيْنَ فِيْهَا ذٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيْمُ
“But the Messenger and those who believe with him struggle with their wealth and their lives. These have deserved the good things. These are the successful. Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great victory.” (9:88 – 89)
وَ لَمَّا رَاَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ الْاَحْزَابَ ۙ قَالُوْا هٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا اللّٰهُ وَرَسُوْلُہٗ وَصَدَقَ اللّٰهُ وَرَسُوْلُہٗ ۫ وَمَا زَادَهُمْ اِلَّاۤ اِیْمَانًا وَ تَسْلِیْمًا مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوْا مَا عَاهَدُوا اللّٰهَ عَلَیْهِ ۚ فَمِنْهُمْ مَّنْ قَضٰی نَحْبَہٗ وَمِنْهُمْ مَّنْ یَّنْتَظِرُ ۫ۖ وَمَا بَدَّلُوْا تَبْدِیْلًا لِّیَجْزِیَ اللّٰهُ الصّٰدِقِیْنَ بِصِدْقِهِمْ وَیُعَذِّبَ الْمُنٰفِقِیْنَ اِنْ شَآءَ اَوْ یَتُوْبَ عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِیْمًا
“And when the believers saw the enemy-forces they said, ‘This is what Allah and His messenger have promised us; and Allah and His messenger have told the truth.’ And it only increased them in faith and submission. Of the believers are men who are true to what they pledged to Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vows; and some are still waiting, and never wavering. That Allah may reward the truthful for their truthfulness; and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, or pardon them. Verily Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:22 – 24)
وَاذْکُرُوْۤا اِذْ اَنْتُمْ قَلِیْلٌ مُّسْتَضْعَفُوْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ تَخَافُوْنَ اَنْ یَّتَخَطَّفَکُمُ النَّاسُ فَاٰوٰىکُمْ وَاَیَّدَکُمْ بِنَصْرِہٖ وَرَزَقَکُمْ مِّنَ الطَّیِّبٰتِ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُوْنَ
“And remember when you were few, oppressed in the land, fearing that people may capture you; but He sheltered you, and supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things—so that you may be thankful.” (8:26)
Allah (SWT) Pleased with Sahaba Keram ()
وَالسّٰبِقُوْنَ الْاَوَّلُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُهٰجِرِيْنَ وَالْاَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِيْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُمْ بِاِحْسٰنٍ رَّضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوْا عَنْهُ وَاَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِىْ تَحْتَهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِيْنَ فِيْهَاۤ اَبَدًا ط ذٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيْمُ
“Allah is pleased with the Pioneers – the first of the ‘Muhajireen’ (Migrants from Makkah) and the ‘Ansars’ (Supporters from Madinah), and those who followed them with sincerity, and they are pleased with Him too. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. That is the sublime triumph.” (9:100)
وَ الَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ قُتِلُوْۤا اَوْ مَاتُوْا لَیَرْزُقَنَّهُمُ اللّٰهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا ؕ وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَهُوَ خَیْرُ الرّٰزِقِیْنَ لَیُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ مُّدْخَلًا یَّرْضَوْنَہٗ ؕ وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَعَلِیْمٌ حَلِیْمٌ ذٰلِكَ ۚ وَمَنْ عَاقَبَ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوْقِبَ بِہٖ ثُمَّ بُغِیَ عَلَیْهِ لَیَنْصُرَنَّهُ اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُوْرٌ
“Those who emigrate in Allah’s cause, then get killed, or die, certainly Allah will provide them with fine provisions. Allah is the Best of Providers. He will admit them an admittance that will please them. Allah is Knowing and Clement. That is so! Whoever retaliates similarly to the affliction he was made to suffer, and then he is suppressed again, Allah will definitely assist him. Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving.” (22:58 – 60)
لَقَدْ رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنِ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ اِذْ یُبَایِعُوْنَكَ تَحْتَ الشَّجَرَۃِ فَعَلِمَ مَا فِیْ قُلُوْبِهِمْ فَاَنْزَلَ السَّكِیْنَۃَ عَلَیْهِمْ وَاَثَابَهُمْ فَتْحًا قَرِیْبًا
“Allah was pleased with the believers, when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, and sent down serenity upon them, and rewarded them with an imminent conquest.” (48:18)
وَالَّذِيْنَ تَبَوَّءُوْالدَّارَ وَالْاِيْمٰنَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّوْنَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ اِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُوْنَ فِى صُدُوْرِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّاۤ اُوْتُوْا وَيُؤْثِرُوْنَ عَلٰىۤ اَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ وَمَنْ يُوْقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِه فَاُوْلٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ وَالَّذِيْنَ جَآءُوْ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ يَقُوْلُوْنَ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِاِخْوٰنِنَا الَّذِيْنَ سَبَقُوْنَا بِالْاِيْمٰنِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِى قُلُوْبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا رَبَّنَآ اِنَّكَ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِيْمٌ
“Those who (Ansars) had already inhabited in the homeland (Madinah), and had accepted faith, they love those immigrants (Muhajireen from Makkah), and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. They give them priority over themselves, even if they themselves are needy. Whoever is protected from his own desire – it is they who are successful. And those who came after them, saying, ‘Our Lord, forgive us, and our brethren
who preceded us in faith, and leave no malice in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are Clement and Merciful’.” (59:9 – 10)
وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِیْنَ یَدْعُوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالْغَدٰوۃِ وَالْعَشِیِّ یُرِیْدُوْنَ وَجْهَہٗ وَلَا تَعْدُ عَیْنٰكَ عَنْهُمْ ۚتُرِیْدُ زِیْنَۃَ الْحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنْیَا ۚوَلَا تُطِعْ مَنْ اَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَہٗ عَنْ ذِکْرِنَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوٰىهُ وَكَانَ اَمْرُہٗ فُرُطًا
“And keep your soul content with those who call to their Lord morning and evening, seeking His pleasure; and let not divert your eyes from them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life …. (18:28)
لَقَدْ تَّابَ اللّٰهُ عَلَی النَّبِیِّ وَالْمُهٰجِرِیْنَ وَالْاَنْصَارِ الَّذِیْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُ فِیْ سَاعَۃِ الْعُسْرَۃِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا كَادَ یَزِیْغُ قُلُوْبُ فَرِیْقٍ مِّنْهُمْ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ اِنَّہٗ بِهِمْ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِیْمٌ
“Allah has certainly turned in mercy towards the Prophet, and the ‘Muhajireen’ (Immigrants from Makkah)), and the Ansars (Helpers of Madinah), – those who followed him in the hour of difficulty – after the hearts of some of them almost swerved. Then He pardoned them. Undoubtedly, He is Kind and Compassionate towards them.” (9:117)
یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا اذْکُرُوْا نِعْمَۃَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ اِذْ جَآءَتْکُمْ جُنُوْدٌ فَاَرْسَلْنَا عَلَیْهِمْ رِیْحًا وَجُنُوْدًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرًا اِذْ جَآءُوْکُمْ مِّنْ فَوْقِکُمْ وَمِنْ اَسْفَلَ مِنْکُمْ وَ اِذْ زَاغَتِ الْاَبْصَارُ وَ بَلَغَتِ الْقُلُوْبُ الْحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ الظُّنُوْنَا هُنَالِكَ ابْتُلِیَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَزُلْزِلُوْا زِلْزَالًا شَدِیْدًا
“O Believers! Remember Allah’s blessings upon you, when forces came against you, and We sent against them a wind, and forces you did not see. Allah is Observant of what you do. When they came upon you, from above you, and from beneath you; and the eyes became dazed, and the hearts reached the throats, and you harbored doubts about Allah. At that time the believers were tested, and were shaken most severely.” (33:9 – 11)
لَقَدْ نَصَرَکُمُ اللّٰهُ فِیْ مَوَاطِنَ كَثِیْرَۃٍ ۙ وَیَوْمَ حُنَیْنٍ ۙ اِذْ اَعْجَبَتْکُمْ كَثْرَتُکُمْ فَلَمْ تُغْنِ عَنْکُمْ شَیْئًا وَّضَاقَتْ عَلَیْکُمُ الْاَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ ثُمَّ وَلَّیْتُمْ مُّدْبِرِیْنَ ثُمَّ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ سَكِیْنَتَہٗ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِہٖ وَعَلَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ وَاَنْزَلَ جُنُوْدًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَعَذَّبَ الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا ؕ وَذٰلِكَ جَزَآءُ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ
“Allah has given you victory in many occasions; but on the day of Hunayn, your great number impressed you, but it availed you nothing; and the land, as spacious as it was, narrowed for you; and you turned your backs in retreat. Then Allah sent down His serenity upon His Messenger, and upon the believers; and He sent down troops you did not see; and He punished those who disbelieved. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.” (9:25 – 26)
رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوْا عَنْهُ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ حِزْبُ اللّٰهِ ؕ اَلَاۤ اِنَّ حِزْبَ اللّٰهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ
“Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the devotees of Allah. Behold! Indeed, it is Allah’s devotees who will be the successful ones.” (58:22)
Obedience and Sacrifice of Sahaba Keram ()
وَاِذَا سَمِعُوْا مَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَى الرَّسُوْلِ تَرٰىۤ اَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيْضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُوْا مِنَ الحَقِّ يَقُوْلُوْنَ رَبَّنَاۤ اٰمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشّٰهِدِيْنَ وَمَا لَنَا لَا نُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَمَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ الحَقِّ وَنَطْمَعُ اَن يُّدْخِلَنَا رَبُّنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الصّٰلِحِيْنَ
“And when they hear what was revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears, as they recognize the truth in it. They say, ‘Our Lord, we have believed, so count us among the witnesses.’ And why should we not believe in Allah, and in the truth that has come to us, and hope that our Lord will include us among the righteous people?” (5:83 – 84)
اِنَّمَا كَانَ قَوْلَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ اِذَا دُعُوْۤا اِلَی اللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِہٖ لِیَحْکُمَ بَیْنَهُمْ اَنْ یَّقُوْلُوْا سَمِعْنَا وَاَطَعْنَا ؕ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ وَمَنْ یُّطِعِ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ وَیَخْشَ اللّٰهَ وَیَتَّقْهِ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْفَآئِزُوْنَ
“The response of the believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger in order to judge between them, is to say, ‘We hear and we obey.’ These are the successful. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, and fears Allah, and is conscious of Him – these are the winners.” (24:51 – 52)
اٰمَنَ الرَّسُوْلُ بِمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْهِ مِنْ رَّبِّہٖ وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ ؕ کُلٌّ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَمَلٰٓئِكَتِہٖ وَکُتُبِہٖ وَرُسُلِہٖ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَیْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْ رُّسُلِہٖ وَقَالُوْا سَمِعْنَا وَاَطَعْنَا ٭۫ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَاِلَیْكَ الْمَصِیْرُ
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, as did the believers. They all have believed in Allah, and His Angels, and His Scriptures, and His Messengers: (They say): We make no distinction between any of His messengers. And they say: We hear and we obey. (We ask) Your forgiveness – (O) our Lord, and to You is our return.” (2:285)
وَالَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَهَاجَرُوْا وَجٰهَدُوْا فِى سَبِيْلِ اللهِ وَالَّذِيْنَ اٰوَوا وَّنَصَرُوْٓا اُوْلٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ حَقًّا لَّهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيْمٌ
“Those who believed, and emigrated, and struggled for Allah’s cause, and those who gave shelter and support – these are the true believers. They will have forgiveness, and a bountiful provision.” (8:74)
اَلَّذِیْنَ اسْتَجَابُوْا لِلّٰهِ وَالرَّسُوْلِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَاۤ اَصَابَهُمُ الْقَرْحُ ؕۛ لِلَّذِیْنَ اَحْسَنُوْا مِنْهُمْ وَاتَّقَوْا اَجْرٌ عَظِیْمٌ اَلَّذِیْنَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ اِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوْا لَکُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ اِیْمَانًا ق وَقَالُوْا حَسْبُنَا اللّٰهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِیْلُ فَانْقَلَبُوْا بِنِعْمَۃٍ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَّمْ یَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوْٓءٌ ۙ وَاتَّبَعُوْا رِضْوَانَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ ذُوْ فَضْلٍ عَظِیْمٍ
“Those who responded to Allah and the Messenger, despite the persecution they had suffered. For the virtuous and the pious among them is a great reward. Those to whom the people have said, ‘The people (enemies) have mobilized against you, so fear them.’ But this only increased them in faith, and they said, ‘Allah is enough for us; He is the Excellent Protector.’ So, they came back with grace from Allah, and bounty, and no harm having touched them. They pursued what pleases Allah. Indeed, Allah possesses immense grace.” (3:172 – 174)
فَرِحِیْنَ بِمَاۤ اٰتٰهُمُ اللّٰهُ مِنْ فَضْلِہٖ ۙ وَیَسْتَبْشِرُوْنَ بِالَّذِیْنَ لَمْ یَلْحَقُوْا بِهِمْ مِّنْ خَلْفِهِمْ ۙ اَلَّا خَوْفٌ عَلَیْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ یَحْزَنُوْنَ یَسْتَبْشِرُوْنَ بِنِعْمَۃٍ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ وَفَضْلٍ ۙ وَاَنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُضِیْعُ اَجْرَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ
“They (Sahaba who martyred in jihad) rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah. And in fact, they rejoice with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them, that no fear shall overcome them, nor shall they grieve. They glory in the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and in the fact that Allah does not waste the reward of the believers (in the least).” (3:170 – 171)
وَ مِنَ الْاَعْرَابِ مَنْ یُّؤْمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَیَتَّخِذُ مَا یُنْفِقُ قُرُبٰتٍ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ وَصَلَوٰتِ الرَّسُوْلِ ؕ اَلَاۤ اِنَّهَا قُرْبَۃٌ لَّهُمْ ؕ سَیُدْخِلُهُمُ اللّٰهُ فِیْ رَحْمَتِہٖ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ
“Yet among the Desert-Arabs are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and consider their spending to be a means of getting nearness towards Allah, and the prayers of the Messenger (for them). Surely it will draw them closer, and Allah will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Forgiving and Compassionate.” (9:99)
وَّ لَا عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ اِذَا مَاۤ اَتَوْكَ لِتَحْمِلَهُمْ قُلْتَ لَاۤ اَجِدُ مَاۤ اَحْمِلُکُمْ عَلَیْهِ ۪ تَوَلَّوْا وَاَعْیُنُهُمْ تَفِیْضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ حَزَنًا اَلَّا یَجِدُوْا مَا یُنْفِقُوْنَ اِنَّمَا السَّبِیْلُ عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ یَسْتَاْذِنُوْنَكَ وَهُمْ اَغْنِیَآءُ ۚ رَضُوْا بِاَنْ یَّکُوْنُوْا مَعَ الْخَوَالِفِ ۙ وَطَبَعَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰی قُلُوْبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ
“Nor on those who approach you, wishing to ride with you, and you said, ‘I have no ride to carry you on.’ So, they went away, with their eyes overflowing with tears, sorrowing for not finding the means to spend. But blame is on those who ask you for exemption, although they are rich. They are content to be with those who stay behind. Allah has sealed their hearts, so they do not know.” (9:92 – 93)
Sahaba Keram (): A Moderate Community
وَكَذٰلِكَ جَعَلْنٰکُمْ اُمَّۃً وَّسَطًا لِّتَکُوْنُوْا شُهَدَآءَ عَلَی النَّاسِ وَیَکُوْنَ الرَّسُوْلُ عَلَیْکُمْ شَهِیْدًا ؕ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَۃَ الَّتِیْ کُنْتَ عَلَیْهَاۤ اِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَنْ یَّتَّبِعُ الرَّسُوْلَ مِمَّنْ یَّنْقَلِبُ عَلٰی عَقِبَیْهِ ؕ وَاِنْ كَانَتْ لَكَبِیْرَۃً اِلَّا عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ هَدَی اللّٰهُ ؕ وَمَا كَانَ اللّٰهُ لِیُضِیْعَ اِیْمَانَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوْفٌ رَّحِیْمٌ
“Thus, We made you a moderate community, that you may be witnesses to humanity, and that the Messenger may be a witness to you. We only changed the ‘Qibla’ (direction) of prayer, which you once followed, that We may distinguish those who follow the Messenger from those who turn on their heels. It is indeed difficult, except for those whom Allah has guided. But Allah would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is Kind towards the people, Merciful.” (2:143)
Call of Sahaba Keram () towards Deen – Islam
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and debate with them (disbelievers) in the most dignified manner…….” (16:125)
Sahaba Keram () – the chosen people of Allah (SWT), were devout followers of the Prophet (ﷺ) in both faith and action. They served as the primary link between the Prophet (ﷺ) and future generations. After the death of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the full responsibility of leading the Muslim Ummah and calling the people towards the path of Islam was bestowed upon them.
Because of sincere efforts of Sahaba Keram (), the present and future communities got the original version of the Qur’an along with ‘Tafseer’ (explanations). Furthermore, as close companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), they keenly observed his day-to-day activities, listened to his precepts, faithfully preserved his quotes, and dutifully conveyed them to others. In continuation of that, the ‘Ulemas’ (Islamic Scholars) of the later ages continued the work of “Calling people towards Islam” pursuing the knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah from generation to generation.
In the sermon of the Hajjul Wida Prophet, who said: “You, who are present here today, convey my messages to those who are not present now. Perhaps my message will carry more importance to the absentees than the present audience.” As regards the preaching of messages of Deen, his instruction was: “Convey from me even if it is one verse.” So not a single detail of his life was left out of their descriptions. He further instructed his Sahaba Keram (): “Show them the straight and easy path, do not impose upon them any hardship, give them good tidings, and do not depress them.” (Sahih Bukhari).
The Qur’anic verses related to the above topic are cited below:
كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ اُمَّةٍ اُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللهِ
“You are the best of the nation ever raised up for mankind because you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah…….” (3:110)
وَمَنْ اَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَنْ دَعَآ اِلَى اللهِ وَعَمِلَ صٰلِحًا وَّقَالَ اِنَّنِىْ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِيْنَ
“And who is better in speech than someone who calls (people) towards Allah, and acts with integrity, and says, ‘I am of those who submit’?” (41:33)
فَلَوْلَا كَانَ مِنَ الْقُرُوْنِ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ اُوْلُوْا بَقِيَّةٍ يَّنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْفَسَادِ فِى الْاَرْضِ اِلَّا قَلِيْلًا مِّمَنْ اَنْجَيْنَا مِنْهُمْ ط وَاتَّبَعَ الَّذِيْنَ ظَلَمُوْا مَآ اُتْرِفُوْا فِيْهِ وَكَانُوْا مُجْرِمِيْنَ وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ لِيُهْلِكَ الْقُرٰى بِظُلْمٍ وَّاَهْلُهَا مُصْلِحُوْنَ
“If only there were had been among the generations passed before you, people with wisdom, who spoke against corruption on earth—except for the few whom We saved. But the wrongdoers pursued the luxuries they were indulged in, and thus became guilty. Your Lord would never destroy the towns wrongfully, while their inhabitants are righteous.” (11:116 – 117)
وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ اُمَّةٌ يَّدْعُوْنَ اِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاُوْلٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ
“And there should be a group among you to call towards what is good, and command what is righteous, and forbid from evil. These are indeed the successful ones.” (3:104)
قُلْ تَعَالَوْا اَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ اَلَّاتُشْرِكُوْا بِه شَيْـًٔا وَبِالْوٰلِدَيْنِ اِحْسٰنًا وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْٓا اَوْلٰدَكُم مِّنْ اِمْلٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَاِيْاهُمْ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْا الْفَوٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْا النَّفْسَ الَّتِى حَرَّمَ اللهُ الَّا بِالْحَقِّ ذٰلِكُمْ وَصّٰىكُمْ بِه لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْا مَالَ الْيَتِيْمِ اِلَّابِالَّتِى هِىَ اَحْسَنُ حَتّٰى يَبْلُغَ اَشُدَّه وَاَوْفُوْا الْكَيْلَ وَالْمِيْزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا وَاِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوْا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبٰى وَبِعَهْدِ اللهِ اَوْفُوْا ذٰلِكُمْ وَصّٰىكُم بِه لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُوْنَ وَاَنَّ هٰذَا صِرٰطِى مُسْتَقِيْمًا فَاتَّبِعُوْهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوْا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيْلِه ذٰلِكُمْ وَصّٰىكُم بِه لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ
“Say, ‘Come, let me tell you what your Lord has forbidden you: that you associate nothing with Him; that you honor your parents; that you do not kill your children because of poverty – We provide for you and for them; that you do not come near obscenities, whether outward or inward; and that you do not kill the soul which Allah has sanctified – except in the course of justice. All this He has enjoined upon you, so that you may understand. And do not come near the property of the orphan, except with the best intentions, until they reach maturity. And give full weight and full measure, equitably. We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity. And when you speak, be fair, even if it concerns a close relative. And fulfill your covenant with Allah. All this He has enjoined upon you, so that you may take heed. This is My path, straight, so follow it. And do not follow the other paths, lest they divert you from His path. All this He has enjoined upon you, that you may refrain from wrongdoing’.” (6:151 – 153)
فَلِذٰلِكَ فَادْعُ ۚ وَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَاۤ اُمِرْتَ ۚ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ اَهْوَآءَهُمْ ۚ وَقُلْ اٰمَنْتُ بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ مِنْ كِتٰبٍ ۚ وَاُمِرْتُ لِاَعْدِلَ بَیْنَکُمْ ؕ اَللّٰهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّکُمْ ؕ لَنَاۤ اَعْمَالُنَا وَلَکُمْ اَعْمَالُکُمْ ؕ لَا حُجَّۃَ بَیْنَنَا وَبَیْنَکُمْ ؕ اَللّٰهُ یَجْمَعُ بَیْنَنَا ۚ وَ اِلَیْهِ الْمَصِیْرُ
“To this (Deen Islam) go on inviting, and be upright as you were commanded, and do not follow their inclinations, and say, ‘I believe in the Book that Allah has revealed, and I was commanded to judge between you equitably. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. We have our deeds, and you have your deeds. Let there be no quarrel between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is the ultimate return.” (42:15)
ادْعُ اِلٰى سَبِيْلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجٰدِلْهُم بِالَّتِى هِىَ اَحْسَنُ ط اِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ اعْلَمُ بِمَنْ ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيْلِه وَهُوَ اعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِيْنَ
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and debate with them (disbelievers) in the most dignified manner. Your Lord is aware of those who stray from His path, and He is aware of those who are rightly guided.” (16:125)
وَمَا كَانَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ لِيُنْفِرُوْا كَافَّةً فَلَوْلَا نَفَرَ مِنْ كُلِّ فِرْقَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ طَائِفَةٌ لِّيْتَفَقَّهُوَ ا فِى الدِّيْنِ وَلِيُنْذِرُوْا قَوْمَهُمْ اِذَا رَجَعُوْا اِلَيْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَحْذَرُوْنَ
“It is not advisable for the believers to march out altogether. Of every division that marches out, let a group remain behind, to gain a well understanding of the religion, and that they may notify their people when they return to them, so that they may beware.” (9:122)
وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ يَّاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيْمُوْنَ الصَّلَوةَ وَيُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّكَوةَ وَيُطِيْعُوْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَه اُوْلئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللهُ ۗ اِنَّ اللهَ عَزِيْزٌ حَكِيْمٌ
“The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform the prayers, practice charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. These – Allah will have mercy on them. Allah is Noble and Wise.” (9:71)
وَجَاهِدُوْا فِى اللهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِه هُوَ اجْتَبٰىكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى الدِّيْنِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ
And strive for Allah as you ought to strive for Him. He has chosen you, and has not burdened you in Deen (religion of Islam) ….. (22:78)
هُدَى الله ِهُوَ الْهُدٰى وَاُمِرْنَا لِنُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ وَاَنْ اَقِيْمُوْا الصَّلَوٰةَ وَاتَّقُوْهُ وَهُوَ الَّذِىۤ اِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُوْنَ
“……Say, ‘The guidance of Allah is the guidance, and we are commanded to surrender to the Lord of the Universe. And to perform the prayers, and to fear Him; it is to Him that you will be gathered’.” (6:71 – 72)
اُوْلٰٓئِكَ الَّذِيْنَ يَعْلَمُ اللهُ مَا فِى قُلُوْبِهِمْ فَاَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَعِظْهُمْ وَقُل لَّهُمْ فِىۤ اَنْفُسِهِمْ قَوْلًۢا بَلِيْغًا
“They are those whom Allah knows what is in their hearts. So, ignore them, and admonish them, and tell them the words beneficial to them.” (4:63)
وَتَعَاوَنُوْا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوٰى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوْا عَلَى الْاِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوٰنِ وَاتَّقُوْا اللهَ اِنَّ اللهَ شَدِيْدُ الْعِقَاب
“……. And cooperate with one another in virtuous conduct and conscience, and do not cooperate with one another in sin and hostility. And fear Allah. Allah is severe in punishment. (5:2)
قُلْ هٰذِہٖ سَبِیْلِیْۤ اَدْعُوْۤا اِلَی اللّٰهِ عَلٰی بَصِیْرَۃٍ اَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِیْ ؕ وَسُبْحٰنَ اللّٰهِ وَمَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ
“(O Prophet) Say, ‘This is my way; I invite (people) towards Allah, based on clear knowledge as well as those who follow me too. Glory be to Allah; and I am not of the polytheists.” (12:108)
لَوْلَا يَنْهَاهُمُ الرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالْأَحْبَارُ عَن قَوْلِهِمُ الْإِثْمَ وَأَكْلِهِمُ السُّحْتَ ۚ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ
“Why do not the religious leaders and scholars forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating forbidden things? Evil indeed are their works.” (5:63)
كَانُوا لَا يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَن مُّنكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ ۚ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ
“Nor did they (usually) forbid one another the iniquities which they committed: evil indeed were the deeds which they did.” (5:79)
يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ ۖ وَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلْ فَمَا بَلَّغْتَ رِسَالَتَهُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ
“O Messenger. proclaim the (message) which has been sent to you from your Lord. If you don’t, you won’t have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission. And Allah will defend you from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guides not those who reject Faith.” (5:67)
Brotherhood, Amity and Unity among Muslim Ummah
Islam gives maximum emphasis on unity and brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah and urges reconciliation in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam has emphasized the following actions to create unity and solidarity among the Muslim Ummah:
- Islamic practice of exchanging greetings ‘Salam’ – a greeting of blessing and purity as from Allah (SWT) which frequently proclaims and assures peace from both sides and strengthens the bond of brotherhood.
- Islam has forbidden all those evil activities that hamper peace, such as lies, breach of promise, spreading corruption, and unjust practices. To deter such evils, punishment has been prescribed for perpetrators.
- Islam urges Muslims to resolve all problems peacefully and justly through consultation.
- Islam preaches equality among the people regardless of their race, color, caste, creed, language, and wealth which fortifies the bond of brotherhood and amity.
- The unique example of unity, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence that built up between the two conflicting principal tribes of Madinah named, ‘Aus’ and ‘Khazraz’, bringing an end to the prolonged enmities and strife.
- Also, the cordial and brotherly relationship of ‘Muhazirs’ (immigrants from Makkah) and ‘Ansars’ (helpers of Madinah) is another great event of unity of Muslim Ummah.
The following Hadiths show the Unity and Brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah:
- “By Allah, in Whose Hand my soul rests, no one can be a true believer till he likes the same thing for his Muslim brothers as he likes for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari/Muslim).
- “The true believer is he who keeps other Muslims safe from his spiteful speech and offensive conduct.” (Sahih Bukhari).
- “The life, property, and honor of each Muslim are sacred and honorable for another Muslim.” (Sahih Muslim).
- “Arabs have no superiority over non-Arabs, and non-Arabs have no superiority over Arabs. You are all equal except by piety and good actions. I leave behind me two things: the Qur’an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these, you will never go astray.”
- “The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, and fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole-body aches because of sleeplessness and fever.” (Sahih Muslim).
- “The Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. He doesn’t oppress him, neither does he hand him over to the enemy, he doesn’t disappoint him, nor does he humiliate him.”
The verses of the Qur’an on this topic are cited below:
فَاِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ بُیُوْتًا فَسَلِّمُوْا عَلٰۤی اَنْفُسِکُمْ تَحِیَّۃً مِّنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ مُبٰرَكَۃً طَیِّبَۃً ؕ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمُ الْاٰیٰتِ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ
“When you enter houses, salute each other – a greeting of blessing and purity as from Allah. Thus, does Allah make clear the signs to you: that you may understand.” (24:61)
وَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ۘ یَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَیُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَیُطِیْعُوْنَ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ سَیَرْحَمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ
“The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform prayers, practice charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. These – Allah will have mercy on them. Allah is Noble and Wise.” (9:71)
وَاعْبُدُوا اللّٰهَ وَلَا تُشْرِکُوْا بِہٖ شَیْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا وَبِذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَالْجَارِ ذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنْۢبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُحِبُّ مَنْ كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُوْرَا
“Worship Allah, and ascribe no partners to Him, and be good to the parents, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and the neighbor next door, and the distant neighbor, and the close associate, and the traveler, and your slaves. Allah does not love the arrogant showoff.” (4:36)
یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰکُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ وَاُنْثٰی وَجَعَلْنٰکُمْ شُعُوْبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوْا ؕ اِنَّ اَکْرَمَکُمْ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اَتْقٰکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِیْمٌ خَبِیْرٌ
“O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you races and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous one. Allah is All-Knowing, Well-Informed.” (49:13)
اِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ اِخْوَۃٌ فَاَصْلِحُوْا بَیْنَ اَخَوَیْکُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ لَعَلَّکُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ
“The believers are brothers, so reconcile between your brothers, and remain conscious of Allah, so that you may receive mercy.” (49:10)
وَاِنْ طَآئِفَتٰنِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ اقْتَتَلُوْا فَاَصْلِحُوْا بَیْنَهُمَا ۚ فَاِنْۢ بَغَتْ اِحْدٰىهُمَا عَلَی الْاُخْرٰی فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِیْ تَبْغِیْ حَتّٰی تَفِیْٓءَ اِلٰۤی اَمْرِ اللّٰهِ ۚ فَاِنْ فَآءَتْ فَاَصْلِحُوْا بَیْنَهُمَا بِالْعَدْلِ وَاَقْسِطُوْا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِیْنَ
“If two groups of believers fight each other, reconcile between them. But if one group aggresses against the other, fight the aggressing group until it complies with Allah’s command. Once it has complied, reconcile between them with justice, and be equitable. Allah loves the just.” (49:9)
وَلَا تَسْتَوِی الْحَسَنَۃُ وَلَا السَّیِّئَۃُ ؕ اِدْفَعْ بِالَّتِیْ هِیَ اَحْسَنُ فَاِذَا الَّذِیْ بَیْنَكَ وَبَیْنَہٗ عَدَاوَۃٌ كَاَنَّہٗ وَلِیٌّ حَمِیْمٌ وَمَا یُلَقّٰهَاۤ اِلَّا الَّذِیْنَ صَبَرُوْا ۚ وَمَا یُلَقّٰهَاۤ اِلَّا ذُوْحَظٍّ عَظِیْمٍ وَاِمَّا یَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّیْطٰنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّہٗ هُوَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ
“Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with good, then the person who was your enemy becomes like an intimate friend. But none will attain it except those who persevere, and none will attain it except the very fortunate. When a temptation from the Devil provokes you, seek refuge in Allah; He is the Hearer, the Knower.” (41:34 – 36)
وَلَا یَاْتَلِ اُولُوا الْفَضْلِ مِنْکُمْ وَالسَّعَۃِ اَنْ یُّؤْتُوْۤا اُولِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنَ وَالْمُهٰجِرِیْنَ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ۪ۖ وَلْیَعْفُوْا وَلْیَصْفَحُوْا ؕ اَلَا تُحِبُّوْنَ اَنْ یَّغْفِرَ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ
“Those of you who have affluence and means should not refuse to give anything to the relatives, and the needy, and the emigrants for the sake of Allah. And let them pardon and let them overlook their faults. Do you not love for Allah to pardon you? Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (24:22)
وَالَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ؕ اِلَّا تَفْعَلُوْهُ تَکُنْ فِتْنَۃٌ فِی الْاَرْضِ وَفَسَادٌ كَبِیْرٌ
“As for those who disbelieve, they are allies of one another. Unless you do so (take action), there will be turmoil and widespread corruption in the earth.” (8:73)
وَاعْتَصِمُوْا بِحَبْلِ اللّٰهِ جَمِیْعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوْا ۪ وَاذْکُرُوْا نِعْمَتَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ اِذْ کُنْتُمْ اَعْدَآءً فَاَلَّفَ بَیْنَ قُلُوْبِکُمْ فَاَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِہٖۤ اِخْوَانًا ۚ وَکُنْتُمْ عَلٰی شَفَا حُفْرَۃٍ مِّنَ النَّارِ فَاَنْقَذَکُمْ مِّنْهَا ؕ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ اٰیٰتِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَہْتَدُوْنَ
“And hold fast to the rope of Allah, altogether, and do not become divided. And remember Allah’s blessings upon you; how you were enemies, and He reconciled your hearts, and by His grace you became brethren. And you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Allah thus clarifies His revelations for you, so that you may be guided.” (3:103)
وَلَا یَجْرِمَنَّکُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ اَنْ صَدُّوْکُمْ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ اَنْ تَعْتَدُوْا ۘ وَتَعَاوَنُوْا عَلَی الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوٰی ۪ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوْا عَلَی الْاِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۪ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ شَدِیْدُ الْعِقَابِ
“…… (O Believers,) And let not the hatred of the people who barred you from the Sacred Mosque incite you to aggression. And cooperate with one another in virtuous conduct and conscience, and do not cooperate with one another in sin and hostility. And fear Allah. Allah is severe in punishment. (5:2)
اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ فَرَّقُوْا دِیْنَهُمْ وَكَانُوْا شِیَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِیْ شَیْءٍ ؕ اِنَّمَاۤ اَمْرُهُمْ اِلَی اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ یُنَبِّئُهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوْا یَفْعَلُوْنَ
“As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you have no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah. He will, in the end, tell them the truth of all that they did.” (6:159)
يٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اَطِیْعُوا اللّٰهَ وَاَطِیْعُوا الرَّسُوْلَ وَاُوْلِی الْاَمْرِ مِنْکُمْ ۚ فَاِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِیْ شَیْءٍ فَرُدُّوْهُ اِلَی اللّٰهِ وَالرَّسُوْلِ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ تُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ ذٰلِكَ خَیْرٌ وَ اَحْسَنُ تَاْوِیْلًا
“O Believers! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those in-charge of authority (learned scholars) among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is the best, and most suitable as end-result.” (4:59)
لَا خَیْرَ فِیْ كَثِیْرٍ مِّنْ نَّجْوٰىهُمْ اِلَّا مَنْ اَمَرَ بِصَدَقَۃٍ اَوْ مَعْرُوْفٍ اَوْ اِصْلَاحٍۭ بَیْنَ النَّاسِ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ ابْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللّٰهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِیْـهِ اَجْرًا عَظِیْمًا
“There is no good in most of their secret conversation, except for him who enjoins charity and kindness, or reconciliation between people. Whoever does that, seeking Allah’s pleasure, We will give him a great reward.” (4:114)