Fath al-Rabbani

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Musa Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him), he says: We performed the Maghrib prayer in the company of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then we said that it would be better if we waited a while and performed the ‘Isha prayer in his company before leaving. So we began to wait. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) came to us and said: “Did you remain here?” We replied: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah! We just thought that we would perform the ‘Isha prayer in your company as well.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “You did well.” Then he raised his head towards the sky, as was his habit that he would often raise his head towards the sky, then he said: “These stars are the guardians (protectors and watchers) of the sky; when these stars disappear, then that condition will befall the sky which has been promised to it, that is, the sky will be torn apart and shattered. I am also a guardian for my companions in the same way; when I depart from this world, then those tribulations and trials will come upon my companions which have been promised to them. And my companions are guardians and protectors for my Ummah; when my companions depart from this world, then that era of tribulations will begin for my Ummah which has been promised to them.”