Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdul-Salam
In the month of Muharram, some people engage in tabarra (reviling) against the noble Companions of the Prophet ﷺ. This act is not only extremely detestable but also haram in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Respecting the honor of the Sahabah (RA) is obligatory upon all Muslims, and speaking ill of any Companion is strictly forbidden in Islam.
Allah ﷻ praises the Companions in the Qur’an and commands good conduct towards them:
وَالسَّابِقُونَ الأوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ۖ ذَٰلِكَ فَوْزُ الْعَظِيمِ
(Surah al-Tawbah 9:100)
"The first to embrace Islam from the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them in righteousness – Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success."
This verse establishes the lofty status of the Sahabah and affirms that Allah is pleased with them.
1. ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (RA) narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Do not revile my Companions. By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if one of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, it would not equal a handful given by them, nor even half of it."
(Sahih Muslim)
2. In another narration:
"Those who criticize the Companions will always be prone to trials, and they are among the worst of people in the early period of Islam."
(Musnad Ahmad)
‘Ali (RA) said:
"Whoever reviles the Companions is in fact harming his own faith."
This shows that disrespect towards the Sahabah damages one’s own iman.
The Sahabah had a consensus that mutual criticism, especially over disputes that occurred during certain battles, goes against Islamic teachings. Disagreements in those times were based on ijtihad and are not grounds for insulting them.
Reviling the Sahabah in Muharram—or at any time—is a violation of Qur’anic commands, Prophetic teachings, and the consensus of the Ummah. Instead of cursing or criticizing them, we are commanded to honor, respect, and pray for them.
Muslim conduct towards the Sahabah:
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ
(Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith) – Surah al-Hashr 59:10.
Reviling the Sahabah in Muharram
In the month of Muharram, some people engage in tabarra (reviling) against the noble Companions of the Prophet ﷺ. This act is not only extremely detestable but also haram in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Respecting the honor of the Sahabah (RA) is obligatory upon all Muslims, and speaking ill of any Companion is strictly forbidden in Islam.
Qur’anic Evidence
Allah ﷻ praises the Companions in the Qur’an and commands good conduct towards them:
وَالسَّابِقُونَ الأوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ۖ ذَٰلِكَ فَوْزُ الْعَظِيمِ
(Surah al-Tawbah 9:100)
"The first to embrace Islam from the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them in righteousness – Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success."
This verse establishes the lofty status of the Sahabah and affirms that Allah is pleased with them.
Prophetic Hadith
1. ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (RA) narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Do not revile my Companions. By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if one of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, it would not equal a handful given by them, nor even half of it."
(Sahih Muslim)
2. In another narration:
"Those who criticize the Companions will always be prone to trials, and they are among the worst of people in the early period of Islam."
(Musnad Ahmad)
Statement of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
‘Ali (RA) said:
"Whoever reviles the Companions is in fact harming his own faith."
This shows that disrespect towards the Sahabah damages one’s own iman.
Scholarly Consensus
The Sahabah had a consensus that mutual criticism, especially over disputes that occurred during certain battles, goes against Islamic teachings. Disagreements in those times were based on ijtihad and are not grounds for insulting them.
Conclusion
Reviling the Sahabah in Muharram—or at any time—is a violation of Qur’anic commands, Prophetic teachings, and the consensus of the Ummah. Instead of cursing or criticizing them, we are commanded to honor, respect, and pray for them.
Muslim conduct towards the Sahabah:
- Speak only with respect.
- Make du‘a for them as Allah teaches:
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ
(Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith) – Surah al-Hashr 59:10.
