PREFACE

Allah (SWT) has opened His doors of Mercy for my family by allowing us to relocate from America to Madina Munawwara. It is a great honor to live as a neighbor of Prophet Mohammad (SAS). I asked myself again and again the following simple but very important question. Am I living like a good neighbor? In order to accomplish this goal I engaged myself in several activities. One of those activities was to seek the company of those who were miles ahead of me in Islamic knowledge and practice. One of these persons was Dr. Mohammad Ilyas Abdul Gani. I studied his two books about the History of the Prophet’s Mosque and the Houses of the Companions around the Prophet’s Mosque. I had several discussions and tours of the Prophet’s Mosque with Dr. Ilyas in order to make things absolutely clear to me. This experience was very exciting and spiritually rewarding.

Consequently, I wished to be of some service to the English speaking visitors of this sacred city. First of all, I summarized Dr. Ilyas’ book about the History of the Prophet’s Mosque in English language. This book in your hand is the translation of The Houses of the Companions around the Prophet’s Mosque. In both books I have described only the essential details of persons and events which enhance the spiritual feelings of the reader. For more details and related references, you should consult Dr. Ilyas’ books in the Arabic and Urdu languages.

Allah (SWT) has divided the Ummah of Prophet Mohammad (SAS) into three groups namely emigrants, Ansar (hosts) and those who live after the Prophet’s lifetime. Some extraordinary characteristics of the emigrants and Ansar are described in AL-Hashar # 8, 9.

For the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him, and helping Allah and His Messenger. Such are indeed the truthful. And those who, before them, had homes (in AI-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given, and give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness or greed, such are they who will be the successful.

Similarly, the companions of Prophet Mohammad (SAS) are praised in many other places in Quran. For example, Allah (SWT) says in
Al-Fath # 18.

Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the pledge to you under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down calmness and tranquility upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory.

Hence Allah (SWT) announces His absolute pleasure for the participants of this allegiance. That’s why it is called BAI’AH RIDHWAN.

It is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim, Jabar (RU) said, “We were about 1400 participants of this pledge and the Prophet (SAS) said, ‘You are the best among the residents of the earth’.”

It is also mentioned in Muslim and narrated by Umm Bashr (RU), the Prophet (SAS) said, “Those who took part in the pledge under this tree will not go to hell.”

As mentioned in Tafseer Mazhari, the above verse # 18 of Al-Fath announces forgiveness by Allah (SWT) for the participants of this pledge, even if some of them happened to have some shortcomings.

Similar forgiveness is granted by Allah (SWT) to the participants of the Battle of Badr.

After describing some of the enviable characteristics of the companions in verse #18 of Al-Fath, Allah says in Al-Fath # 26

When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness -the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance,- then Allah sent down His calmness and tranquility upon His Messenger (SAS) and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety; and they were well entitled to it and worthy of  it. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything.

Hence, any negative comments about the companions are not valid when Allah (SWT) Himself declared that they were entitled to this piety and tranquility and they were also worthy of it.

Allah (SWT) further says in Al-Tahrim # 8

The Day that Allah will not disgrace the Prophet (SAS) and those who believe with him. Their light will run forward before them and in their right hands. They will say: “Our Lord! Keep perfect our light for us and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are able to do all things.”

Allah (SWT) more specifically says in Al-Taubah # 100

And the foremost to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar and also those who followed them exactly. Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well- pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.

Note that Allah (SWT) knew that some of the companions of the Prophet (SAS) would have some shortcomings but, in spite of this, a very clear announcement is made in the above verse.

‘Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him’.

A similar generous promise of Allah (SWT) is described in Al-Hadid # 10

But to all, Allah (SWT) has promised the best (reward). And Allah is All-aware of what you do.

Unfortunately, those who criticize some of the companions of the Prophet (SAS), including Abu Bakr (RU) and Omer (RU), are contradicting the above Quranic verses and many sayings of the Prophet (SAS).

It is mentioned in Bukhari that the Prophet (SAS) said, “Among all the ages, the Muslim people of my period are the best. Then those who are adjacent to my period and then those who are adjacent to the period of above people.”

Similarly it is mentioned in Bukhari that the Prophet (SAS) said, “Do not say anything bad about my companions. If one of you spends gold (to please Allah (SWT)) equivalent to the weight of Uhud mountain, its reward will not match the fraction of pound of gold spent by my companions.”

May Allah induce great esteem and respect for the companions of the Prophet (SAS) in the hearts of all fair-minded people.

Finally, I thank Allah (SWT) for allowing me to present this book to the public. Many people have helped me in preparing this book. I am especially thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Saleh Echon, Kalsoom Khawaja, Mohammad Farooq Ahmad, Zubair Husain, Hafeezullah, Sultan Safdar Zeba Shabbir and Mohammad Amir Baig.

Encouragement from my wife, Dr. Sophia Ahmad, was tremendous. I am also grateful to her because the printing of all my publications is due to the income generated by her medical practice in America. May Allah reward her for this exclusive contribution. It is mentioned here so that the readers pray for her and, of course, for me too.

 

Imtiaz Ahmad

Madina Munawwara