This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Abu Hamza Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi's book Sahi Fazail-e-Amaal.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَانٍ رَّضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ﴾
And the first to embrace Islam among the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and those who followed them with sincerity, Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great success.
Reference: (9-At-Tawbah:100)
﴿لَّا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَوْ كَانُوا آبَاءَهُمْ أَوْ أَبْنَاءَهُمْ أَوْ إِخْوَانَهُمْ أَوْ عَشِيرَتَهُمْ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ كَتَبَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ مِّنْهُ ۖ وَيُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ حِزْبُ اللَّهِ ۚ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللَّهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ﴾
You will never find those who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith upon and supported with His help. He will admit them to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. Those are the party of Allah. Verily, the party of Allah are the successful.
Reference: (58-Al-Mujadila:22)
﴿مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ ۗ وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا﴾
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are severe against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking bounty from Allah and His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah and their description in the Gospel. Like a seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, then becomes thick and stands firmly on its stalk, delighting the sowers - so that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward to the believers and those who do righteous deeds.
Reference: (48-Al-Fath:29)
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
The best people are those of my generation (the Sahabah), then those who come after them, then those who come after them.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Testimonies, Chapter: Not to testify falsely, No. 2652.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
Do not curse my companions. Do not curse my companions. By the One in Whose hand is my soul! If any one of you were to spend gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, he would not reach the rank of even half a mudd of one of them.
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Chapter: The prohibition of cursing the Companions, No. 2540.
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, in the cave: "What do you think about those two whose third is Allah?"
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Tafsir, No: 4663.
It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said to me: "Call your father and brother to me so that I may write something, for I fear that someone may wish for something, and someone may say that I am the best, while Allah and all the believers will reject everyone except Abu Bakr."
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Virtues of the Companions, Chapter on the Virtues of Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, No: 2387.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, says: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "If I were to take a friend, I would take Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him. Indeed, your companion (i.e., the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him) is the friend of Allah Almighty."
Reference: Sahih Muslim, No: 2383.
Sayyiduna Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, son of Abi Talib, says: We were with the Noble Messenger, peace be upon him, when suddenly Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, appeared. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "These two are the leaders of all the old and young inhabitants of Paradise, except the Prophets and Messengers. O Ali! Do not inform them of this."
Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Book of Virtues, No: 3664.
Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, declared it "Sahih."Sayyiduna Jubair bin Mut'im, may Allah be pleased with him, says: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and spoke to him about a matter. The Prophet, peace be upon him, gave her a command, and she said: "O Messenger of Allah, what do you think if I do not find you?" The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "If you do not find me, then go to Abu Bakr."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Virtues of the Companions, No: 3659; Sahih Muslim, No: 2386.
Sayyida Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, says: Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, came to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and he said: "Allah Almighty has freed you from the fire." From that day, his title became "Atiq."
Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Book of Virtues, No: 3679.
Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, declared it "Sahih."◈ Acting According to the Quran:
Mushtah bin Assasah was a relative of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, so he used to support him financially. But when he sided with those who accused Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها, he withdrew his support. Then this verse was revealed:
﴿وَلَا يَأْتَلِ أُولُو الْفَضْلِ مِنكُمْ وَالسَّعَةِ أَن يُؤْتُوا أُولِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۖ وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾
And let not those who possess wealth among you swear not to give to their relatives, the poor, and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Reference: (24-An-Nur:22)
Now Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه became the guarantor of his expenses and said: Yes! I like that Allah should forgive me.”
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Testimonies, Chapter: Adjusting Women with Each Other, Hadith No: 2661.
◈ Self-Sacrifice:
At the beginning of Islam, once you were praying, Aqbah bin Abi Mu'ayt came and tried to strangle you. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) pushed him away and said, "Are you killing a man just because he says, 'My Lord is Allah,' while he has come to you with proofs from your Lord?"
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Virtues, Virtues of Abu Bakr, No: 3678.
◈ Love for the Prophet ﷺ:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gives the glad tidings to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه to be his companion on the journey of migration. Upon hearing this, he becomes so happy that tears flow from his eyes. To know the details of the incident, the following hadith from Sahih Bukhari is presented to the esteemed readers. Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates that when we were sitting at Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه’s house at sunset (dusk), someone said to him: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is coming this way with his head covered." At that time, it was not the usual practice for him ﷺ to come to us. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said: "May my parents be sacrificed for you! By Allah, your coming at this time is for some important purpose."
Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ came and asked for permission to enter. Upon being granted permission, he came inside and said to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه: 'Send out those who are with you.' Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said: 'O Messenger of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you, they are your own family.' The Prophet ﷺ said: 'I have been given permission to leave (Mecca).' Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said: 'O Messenger of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you. I desire to accompany you on this journey.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied: 'Yes.'"
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was not unaware of the expected severe dangers and hardships of this migration journey. But the fear of these dangers did not diminish his eagerness, desire, and longing to be the companion of his beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When the Prophet ﷺ agreed to his request, tears of intense joy flowed from his eyes.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله writes: Imam Ibn Ishaq has narrated this addition in his narration: Aisha رضي الله عنها said: "I saw Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه crying, and before that, I had not realized that someone could cry out of happiness."
Reference: Fath al-Bari: 235/7
, also see:
Reference: Seerat Ibn Hisham: 93/2
◈ Seeking Help:
The Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, although poor and needy, never extended their hands in supplication before anyone. For example, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, used to ride a she-camel, and if the rein fell from his hand, he would dismount and lift it himself. People would say, "Why did you not tell us? We would have lifted it for you." He would reply, "My beloved Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Do not ask anyone for anything."
Reference: Musnad Ahmad: 11/1.
◈ Concealing Faults:
A person commits a sin, and we make it the subject of tales and gatherings. But the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to conceal people's faults and highlight their virtues. This is why, in their era, a luminous veil of concealing faults covered the dark faces of the world. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "If I caught a thief, my greatest wish would be that Allah would conceal his sin."
Reference: Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Tadhkirah Zubaidah bint Al-Alaq.
◈ Love for Children:
Children are a great blessing from Allah Almighty, therefore the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) had great love for their children. Once, Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was suffering from a fever, so Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came to her, inquired about her condition, and kissed her with affection and love.
Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Manners, No: 5222 – Sahih Bukhari, No: 3918
◈ Greeting (Salam):
"Assalamu Alaikum" is a very short and simple phrase, but it holds the power to attract love and acts as a means of conquest. For this reason, Allah Almighty has strongly emphasized it in the Holy Quran:
﴿وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا﴾
"And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally."
Reference: (4-An-Nisa:86)
Therefore, the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) used to greet everyone. Once, when Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was riding a camel, the people they met on the way would greet him by saying only "Assalamu Alaikum," but when he replied with "Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah," they also began to repeat it. Then they started saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh" with additional blessings. Finally, he said, "These people have surpassed us greatly."
Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Bukhari, Chapter on the Virtue of Salaam, Hadith No: 987
◈ Source of Livelihood:
European historians' false assumption is that after Islam, the entire livelihood of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) depended solely on the spoils of war. But in reality, this is a great historical mistake.
The Muhajireen and Ansar were the main elements of the Islamic system of composition, and both had adopted separate means of livelihood from the beginning. The Muhajireen engaged in trade, and the Ansar practiced agriculture. Thus, when Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to take a stipend from the Bayt al-Mal, he explained the reason: "My people know that my profession was sufficient for my family, but now I am engaged in the affairs of the Muslims, so my family will take their livelihood from the Bayt al-Mal."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Sales, Hadith No: 2070.
The most precious thing under the protection of the Caliphs was the Bayt al-Mal. Worldly kings spent the wealth of their kingdoms lavishly on themselves, but the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) protected this divine treasury with such honesty that they never took even a grain more than their expenses. When Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took a stipend from the Bayt al-Mal due to the busyness of the duties of the Caliphate, he clarified that thereafter the income from his trade would be transferred to the Bayt al-Mal.
فسيأكل آل أبى بكر من هذا المال ويحترف للمسلمين
"Now the family of Abu Bakr will take their livelihood from this wealth and work for the Muslims."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Sales.
But at the time of his passing, he also returned the amount of the stipend.
Reference: Tabari, p. 1243.
◈ Asceticism and Humility:
Although a person is immediately intimidated by the grandeur and majesty of kings and princes, true obedience and genuine love can only arise from asceticism and humility. During the caliphate of the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, although the world poured out its treasures before them, they always maintained their ancient simplicity and humility. Therefore, the proud nature of the Arabs never felt shame or reluctance in obeying and submitting to them.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, used to milk goats before the caliphate. When he was distinguished by the position of caliphate, a boy said that now he would not milk our goats. When he heard this, he said, "By Allah, I will surely milk them. If Allah wills, the caliphate will not change my old condition." Thus, he managed the affairs of the caliphate and also milked his goats, and if necessary, he would even graze them.
The state of his asceticism and worship was such that he often spent nights in prayer and most days fasting. His humility and submissiveness were such that he appeared stiff like a wooden stick during prayer. So much tenderness would arise that he would sob until his hiccups stopped. His capacity for reflection was such that every particle of the world was a lesson for him. When he saw a green tree, he would say, "I wish I were a tree so that I would be safe from the dangers of the Hereafter."
When he saw birds chirping, he would say, "The birds are fortunate that they graze and peck in this world and sit in the shade of trees, and there is no fear of accountability on the Day of Judgment." "I wish I were like Abu Bakr," he would sigh frequently, to the extent that the nickname "Awah" (the one who sighs) was given to him.
There are many such incidents. Reference:
Reference: Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 1, History of the Caliphs and Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 6
. Many such incidents are recorded. Reference:
Reference: Tarikh al-Islam by Nadwi: 166/1-168.
◈ Advice :
In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has described this characteristic of the Muslims:
﴿وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ﴾
"And their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation."
Reference: (42-ash-Shura:38)
And the era of the Caliphate of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, was a practical interpretation of this verse. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, did not decide on political or urgent matters without consultation. It is mentioned in Sunan ad-Darimi:
كان أبو بكر إذا ورد عليه الخصم نظر فى كتاب الله ثم فى السنة ثم استشار المؤمنين
"When a party came to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, with a case, he first referred to the Book and Sunnah, then consulted all the Muslims."
Reference: Kanz al-Ummal: 134/3 with reference to Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd.
He had established a council of consultation consisting of the Muhajireen and Ansar, in which Sayyiduna Umar, Uthman, Ali, Abdur Rahman bin Awf, Muadh bin Jabal, Abu bin Ka'b, and Zaid bin Thabit, may Allah be pleased with them, were necessarily included.
Reference: Futuh al-Buldan, p. 276
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "O son of Khattab, I swear by the One in Whose hand is my soul, if Satan meets you while you are walking in an alley, he will leave your alley and start walking in another alley."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Virtues of the Companions, No: 3659 – Sahih Muslim, also, No: 2386.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ prayed: O Allah! Through whichever of Abu Jahl or Umar bin Khattab You love more, grant Islam dominance through him. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما said: Among the two, Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه was more beloved to Allah.
Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Book of Virtues, Chapter on the Virtues of Abu Bakr and Umar رضي الله عنهما, No: 3679.
Al-Albani رحمه الله declared it "Sahih."Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما said, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Indeed, Allah has made the truth flow through the tongue and heart of Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه." Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما said: People never faced any matter in which they gave their opinion and Umar also expressed his opinion, but regarding that matter, the Quran was revealed in accordance with Umar رضي الله عنه’s opinion.
Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, also, No: 3682.
Al-Albani رحمه الله declared it "Sahih."Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amir رضي الله عنه said, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "If after me there were to be a prophet, it would have been Umar bin Khattab."
Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, also, No: 3686 – Silsilat al-Sahihah, No: 327.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما said, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "I saw in a dream as if a bowl of milk was presented to me, I drank from it and what remained I gave to Umar bin Khattab." The Companions رضي الله عنهم asked: O Messenger of Allah! What is its interpretation? He ﷺ said: "Knowledge."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Virtues of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, Chapter on the Virtues of Umar رضي الله عنه, No: 3681.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "I saw a palace in Paradise, I asked whose it was? It was said: It is Umar bin Khattab’s."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, also, No: 3680.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas رضي الله عنهما narrated that I was standing with those who were praying for Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه, at that time his funeral was placed on a cot. Then a man came from behind me and placed his elbows on my shoulders and said (addressing Umar): May Allah have mercy on you. I had hoped that Allah would bury you with your two companions (the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه). I often heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: "I was with Abu Bakr and Umar, I did this and Abu Bakr and Umar did that. I went with Abu Bakr and Umar." So I hoped that Allah would place you with those two. When I turned, I saw it was Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Virtues of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, No: 3677.
◈ Acting upon the Quran:
Today, every Muslim recites the Holy Quran; all the verses related to beliefs, rulings, ethics, society, and the hereafter pass before their eyes. But since the substance of heartfelt impact is missing, it does not even tickle the ears. However, the condition of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, was completely different. Every verse of the Quran affected them, and it affected them with such intensity that they were always trembling out of fear. On one journey, Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, repeatedly asked the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, a question. When he did not receive an answer, he moved ahead and fear arose in his heart that a verse might be revealed about him. After a short while, a call came from the court of prophethood. He became anxious that a verse had been revealed, so he presented himself. Then the Prophet recited this verse to him. ﴿إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا﴾
Reference: (Al-Fath:1)
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Military Expeditions, The Battle of Hudaybiyyah, No: 4177.
◈ Avoidance of drinking alcohol:
Wine was prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula, but many companions of the Prophet ﷺ, such as Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and Uthman رضي الله عنه, refrained from it due to their pure nature even during the era of ignorance. However, those companions who were habitual drinkers also abandoned this long-standing habit along with the prohibition of wine, as if they had never touched the cup or goblet. The command regarding the prohibition of wine was revealed gradually, but the last verse concerning the prohibition of khamr is:
﴿إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلَاةِ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَ﴾
"Indeed, Satan intends to cause between you animosity and hatred through wine and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you desist?"
Reference: (5-Al-Ma'idah:91)
When this verse was revealed, Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه spontaneously exclaimed: انتهينا We have desisted.
Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Drinks, Chapter on the Prohibition of Wine, Hadith No: 3670.
Al-Albani رحمه الله declared it "Sahih."◈ Adab of the Prophet ﷺ:
The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, showed respect and reverence for the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in hundreds of ways. When they came to serve him, they would especially wear clothes befitting the dignity and grandeur of the Prophetic court. They would not tolerate appearing before him without purification, nor would they shake hands with him without being in a state of purity. When sitting in his presence, they would become statues out of extreme respect. Out of reverence, they did not like to walk ahead of him. On one journey, Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with both of them, was riding a rebellious camel that kept moving ahead of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, scolded him, saying that no one should be allowed to go ahead of the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Al-Hisbah, Number: 2610.
◈ Respect and Love for Ahl al-Bayt and the Relatives of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
Once Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه summoned Shifa bint Abdullah al-Adawiyya. When she came, it was seen that Atika bint Usayd was already present. After a while, Umar رضي الله عنه gave each of them a sheet, but Shifa’s sheet was of a lower quality. Therefore, she said, "I am older in Islam than Atika and your paternal cousin. You called me specifically for this purpose, while Atika just came." He replied, "I had kept this sheet for you, but when Atika came, I had to consider the kinship of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم."
Reference: Al-Isabah, mention of Atika bint Usayd.
◈ Love for the company of the Messenger ﷺ:
The blessing of companionship with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was an eternal treasure, for which the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, would sacrifice all kinds of worldly wealth and possessions. Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, lived quite far from Medina in Maqam-e-Aliyyah, so he could not benefit from your companionship daily. However, it had become a routine that one day he would come himself, and on the next day, he would send his Islamic brother so that they would not be deprived of your teachings and guidance.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Knowledge, Chapter on Alternation in Knowledge, Number: 89.
◈ The Pleasure of the Messenger ﷺ:
Once someone asked you about your fast, upon which you, peace be upon him, became angry. When Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, saw this state, he said:
رضينا بالله ربا ، وبالإسلام دينا ، وبمحمد نبيا ، نعوذ بالله من غضب الله وغضب رسوله
"We have made Allah our Lord, Islam our religion, and Muhammad, peace be upon him, our Prophet, and we seek refuge from the anger of Allah and His Messenger."
He kept repeating this phrase until your anger subsided.
Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Fasting, Chapter on Voluntary Fasting, Hadith No: 2425 -
Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, declared it "Sahih."◈ Selflessness:
Generosity is a moral quality, but selflessness is the highest form of generosity. It was found to such an extent among the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would give them gifts, but they would refuse by saying, "Give this to someone who is more in need than I am."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Whoever Allah Gives Something Without Asking For It..., Hadith No: 1473.
◈ Forgiveness and Forbearance:
The life of the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, is the true interpretation of this verse:
﴿وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ﴾
"And those who restrain anger and pardon the people."
Reference: (3-Al Imran:134)
Although Sayyiduna Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, was very strict in religious matters, once two men from Taif caused a disturbance in the Prophet's Mosque. He summoned them and said, "You are making noise in the Prophet's Mosque. If you were residents of this city, I would have punished you."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Chapter on Raising Voice in the Mosque, Hadith No: 470.
◈ Gratitude to Allah:
When a person's son dies, wealth is lost, or property is destroyed, initially he becomes distressed, but despair inevitably makes him accustomed to patience, as الياس احدى الراحتين. However, when Allah grants a child to a childless person, wealth to a poor person, or honor to a humiliated person, suddenly he becomes so arrogant and self-conceited that in this state he does not remember his Lord. Therefore, some of the people of Allah say that patience is easy and gratitude is difficult. But all the eras of Islam were before the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them), including the times when they were very poor and needy, and also when they became wealthy and affluent. In the first era, they practiced patience, and in the second era, they expressed gratitude to Allah. Once Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) wore a new cloth and said, "I thank Allah who has clothed me with this garment with which I cover my private parts and gain adornment in life."
Reference: Al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib: 158/2.
◈ Confidentiality :
Privacy is a trust, and there are very few people in the world who can bear the burden of this trust. However, the hearts of the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, were the burial place of secrets from which nothing could emerge until the Day of Judgment. When Sayyida Hafsa, may Allah be pleased with her, became a widow, Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, wanted to arrange her engagement with Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, but he said, "I am excused from this." Then he requested Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, who remained silent. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was very distressed by this second failure after the first. A few days later, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, himself sent the proposal for marriage. After the marriage took place, Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, mentioned his distress to Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, who said that the only reason was that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, had mentioned Hafsa's name secretly, but I did not want to disclose your secret. If you had not married her, I would certainly have married her."
Reference: Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd, Tazkirah Hafsa رضي الله عنها.
◈ Honor:
Although the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) were strongly averse to pride and arrogance, they possessed a very honorable nature. Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was so honorable that once the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that he saw in a dream Paradise in which a woman was performing ablution in a corner of a palace. I asked whose palace it was, and the answer came that it belonged to Umar. I wanted to enter it, but I refrained out of respect for Umar's honor.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Marriage, Chapter on Honor, Hadith No: 5227.
◈ Raising Children:
The Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, would even forget their own comfort and luxury in raising children. When Harith bin Hisham passed away during the plague of Amwas, Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, married his wife Fatimah bint Waleed and took their son Abdul Rahman bin Harith into his care and nurtured him with such kindness and love that Abdul Rahman himself stated, "I have not seen a better mentor than Umar bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him."
Reference: Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Tazkira Abdul Rahman bin Harith.
◈ Equality :
While all Arabs and non-Arabs had made the world their slave through leadership and governance, Islam declared piety and purity as the true honor of a human being, and the Holy Quran raised this call against the entire world:
﴿إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ﴾
"Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you."
Reference: (49-Al-Hujurat:13)
Although the companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) were distinguished by divine caliphate from the honor that was the greatest source of superiority and distinction in Rome and Iran, they considered only religion and ethics as their honor. Sayyiduna Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
كرم المؤمن تقواه ودينه وحسبه ومروءته وخلقه
"The real capital of a Muslim's honor is his piety, his religion, his lineage, his generosity, and his character."
Reference: Muwatta Malik, Book of Jihad, Chapter on Martyrs in the Way of Allah.
The result of this thought was that politically, the caliph of the time considered himself equal to all people and treated everyone equally.
One day, Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was busy with the caliphate when a man came and said, "O Commander of the Faithful! So-and-so has wronged me." He picked up a stick and said, "When I sit for detailed cases, you people do not come, and when I am busy with other caliphate affairs, you come for redress." The man left angrily, so he called him back, threw his stick in front of him, and said, "Take retribution from me." He said, "No, I forgive for the sake of Allah." He said, "If you forgive for the sake of Allah, then good; otherwise, if you forgive for my sake, tell me." He said, "No, for the sake of Allah."
Reference: Asad al-Ghabah, Biography of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
◈ Asceticism and Humility:
Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was the key holder of the treasures of Khosrow and Caesar, yet his state of asceticism and humility was such that one day he asked for drinking water. People brought honey syrup; placing the cup on his hand, he said three times, "If I drink this, its sweetness will go away and bitterness (punishment) will remain." Saying this, he gave it to a man who drank it.
One day he came to Sayyida Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her), and he put olive oil in the curry and placed it in front of him, saying, "I will not eat two curries in one vessel until death."
Reference: Asad al-Ghabah, Tadhkirah Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
◈ Mercy and Compassion:
When the caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه began, all the companions trembled at the thought of his former severity and majesty and said, "Let's see what happens now?" When Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه heard this, he gathered a general assembly and climbed the pulpit and said:
"I have come to know that people are afraid of my strictness and say that even during the time of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, Umar was harsh with us. Then Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه became caliph, and even then Umar was strict with us. Now that he himself is caliph, Allah knows what wrath there will be? People have spoken the truth. I was a servant of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, and who can attain the degree of your mercy and compassion? Allah has called you Ra'ufur-Raheem (Most Kind, Most Merciful), which is one of Allah's names. Then Abu Bakr became caliph, and you cannot deny his kindness and gentleness. He also had a servant and helper, so he combined his strictness with their gentleness, and the sword was sheathed. If he wished, he would strike with it; otherwise, he would put it back in its sheath. But now that I myself have become caliph, believe me, that strictness has doubled, but only for those who oppress the Muslims. As for the good and honest people, I am softer with them than they are with each other."
Reference: Al-Riyadh an-Nadhira fi Manaqib al-Ashara: 4/2.
◈ Eradication of Shirk and Innovation:
Until the time of Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه, the Tree of Ridwan was standing, and people used to visit it considering it sacred. Seeing this, he had it uprooted.
Reference: Izalat al-Khulafa: 91/2.
◈ Organization of Prayer:
To maintain all the details and characteristics of prayer, the arrangements made by him are as follows:
Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه wrote a decree addressed to all officials in which he detailed the timings of the prayers and urged adherence to them. The opening words of this decree are:
إن أهم أمركم عندي الصلاة فمن حفظها وحافظ عليها حفظ دينه ومن ضيعها فهو لما سواها أضيع
“In my view, your most important duty is prayer; whoever guards it has guarded his religion, and whoever neglects it will lose other things as well.”
At the end, when writing the time for the Isha prayer, he added these words:
فمن نام فلا نامت عينه فمن نام فلا نامت عينه فمن نام فلا نامت عينه
“Whoever sleeps without performing the Isha prayer, may his eyes never sleep, never sleep, never sleep.”
Reference: Muwatta Imam Malik, Kitab Waqt al-Salat.
