Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) basic Q&A.

The most widely accepted definition of a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is someone who saw the Prophet and believed in him as well as died a Muslim. The Arabic translation of the word companion is Sahabi, thus companions (plural) become Sahaba.

The companions are considered the best generation of the Islamic nation, both then and now. We learn about their etiquettes and manners, we read their stories, we admire their religious zeal and their utter devotion to Allah and His Messenger.

Q. Which of the companions did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) state as the person who accepted Islam without even a little hesitation?

A. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (Rz)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Abu Bakr is the one who accepted Islam without even the slightest hesitation

Q. Who are the four rightly-guided Caliph after the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

A.

1. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RZ)

2. Omar Bin Al-Khattab (RZ)

3. Uthman Bin Affan (RZ)

4. Ali Bin Abu Talib (RZ)

Q. Which of the companions did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) enjoin the responsibility of Adhan, the person who called out Adhan standing atop the Kaabah?

A. Bilal Ibn Rabah (RZ)

Bilal Ibn Rabah’s acceptance of Islam is a powerful story, involving slavery, acceptance of Islam, torture and rescue.

After the Muslims were victorious in Makkah, Bilal ascended to the top of the Kaabah, the house of Allah, to call the believers to prayer. This was the first time the call to prayer was heard within Islam’s holiest city

Q. How many of the companions have been promised paradise?

A. Ten

The Messenger (PBUH), clearly stated that ten of his companions would be in paradise. Ahmad reports from Sa`id ibn Zayd, and Tirmidhi reports from `Abdul-Rahman ibn `Awf, that the Prophet, (PBUH) said:

1. "Abu Bakr will be in paradise,

2. `Umar will be in paradise,

3. `Uthman will be in paradise,

4. `Ali will be in paradise,

5. Talhah will be in paradise,

6. Al-Zubayr will be in paradise,

7. `Abdul-Rahman ibn `Awf will be in paradise,

8. Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas will be in paradise,

9. Sa`id ibn Zayd will be in paradise and

10. Abu `Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah will be in paradise.

" Its isnad is sahih. [Sahih al-Jami` as-Saghir, 1/70, no. 50]

Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reciprocated the companions' love and devotion. “… Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow (paradise), to dwell therein forever.” (Quran 9:100)

Q. Who were considered as the closest companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

A. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RZ) and Omar Bin Al-Khatab (RZ)

Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RZ) and OmarBin Al-Khattab (RZ) were the two companions closest to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ali Ibn Abu Talib (RZ) is reported to have said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went out in the morning with Abu Bakr (RZ) & Omar (RZ) and he would return at night with Abu Bakr (RZ) & Omar (RZ). The Prophet himself called Abu Bakr (RZ) and Omar (RZ) his eyes and ears, and said they were his advisers from the inhabitants of earth. (At Tirmidhi) they stood beside Prophet Muhammad in all the trials and tribulations that faced the Muslim Ummah.

Q. Of which companion did the Prophet say, “If there was to be a Prophet after Me, it would have been you”?

A. Omar Bin Al-Khattab (RZ)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “if there was to be a Prophet after me it would have been Omar ibn al Khattab”

Q. Which companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is called “The Possessor of Two Lights”?

A. Uthman Bin Affan (RZ)

Uthman Bin Affan was a man so loved by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that he was called the possessor of two lights. Uthman was married to Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Ruqiayah and when she died, he married Muhammad’s other daughter, Umm Kulthum, thus possessing the two lights

Q. Which of the companions was a paternal uncle of the Prophet, and was considered as a strong personality both in character and in physique?

A. Hamzah lbn Abdul Muttalib (RZ)