Blessed Companion: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA)

Points to be Discussed:

 Name: Abdullah bin Abu Quhafa, Kuniyat: Abu Bakr

 Background: 2 years younger than the Prophet (PBUH); Rich cloth merchant by
profession, never indulged in drinking even before Islam, highly respected for his
wisdom
 How he Accepted Islam, the first free adult male: The Prophet’s famous words,
“Whenever I invited anyone to Islam, they thought or hesitated before accepting it;
but Abu Bakr is the only one who accepted my message without any hesitation.”
 How he freed Muslim slaves like Bilal (RA), Amir Bin Fuhairah (RA) etc.
 How he helped many people enter Islam like Uthman bin Affan (RA), Talhah bin
Ubaidullah (RA), Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA), Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA) etc. The
Prophet (PBUH) said,
“The most compassionate member of my people towards my people is Abu Bakr (RA).”
 The marriage of his daughter Hazrat Aisha to the Prophet
 Chosen by the Prophet during his migration to Madinah, including the 3 day stay in the
Cave of Thawr; how he suffered the sting of a snake in the cave to protect the Prophet.
 Abu Bakr’s fear for the Prophet’s life when the Quraish came close to the entrance of
the Cave of Thawr.
The Quran,
“…when the unbelievers drove him out; he had no more than one companion: the two
were in the cave, and he said to his companion, ‘Have no fear, for Allah is with us.”
 Stood like a rock by the side of the Prophet (PBUH) at all times
 His support to the Prophet (PBUH) in all battles, especially Uhud and Hunain
 His support for the Prophet at the Treaty of Hudaibiyah
 His donations at the Battle of Tabuk, brought all his belongings. The Prophet asked,
“Abu Bakr (RA), what did you leave for your family?” Abu Bakr (RA) replied,
“I have left for them Allah and His Prophet (PBUH)”
 The Prophet’s famous hadith of loving the “father of Aisha” most after Hazrat Aisha (RA)
 His support to the Prophet at Miraj, title: As-Siddiq: ‘Testifier of the truth’
 The Prophet’s desire for Abu Bakr (RA) to be the Imam in his place even though Hazrat
Aisha and Hazrat Hafsa tried to convince him otherwise. The Prophet said,
“Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer. Allah and the believers will not have it otherwise.”
 The Prophet’s orders to close all doors entering into Masjid-e-Nabi except the door of
Abu Bakr. He said,
“All doors of Masjid-e-Nabi should be closed except for the door of Abu Bakr.”
 Prophet,
“If I were to take a ‘khalil’ (closest friend) besides Allah, I would choose Abu Bakr…”
  Made Ameer-e-Hajj by the Prophet in 9th year of Hijrah.
 Abu Bakr’s quick comprehension of the situation when the Prophet said,
“A man of Allah has been given a choice between this world and the treasures of the
Life After Death and he has chosen Life After Death.”
When Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) heard these words, he started weeping.
 The unifying and brave role of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) at the death of the Prophet, Hazrat
Abu Bakr said to the Muslims,
“Those of you who worshipped Muhammad (PBUH), let him know that Muhammad
(PBUH) is dead. Those of you who worship Allah, know that Allah never dies and is
Ever-Living.”
Blessed Companion: Umar bin al-Khattab (RA)
Points to be Discussed:

 Son of Khattab, from the tribe Banu Adi

 Backgorund: 12-13 years younger than the Prophet (pbuh); Knew how to read & write,
very intelligent, studious, strong, powerful; fond of archery, horse-riding, wrestling
 a trader and visitor of many countries
 an idol-worshipper before Islam
 Kuniat: Abu Hafsa
 Title: Farooq ‘one who differentiates between Truth & Falsehood’. The Prophet (buh)
said about him,
“Allah placed truth upon the tongue of Umar (RA) and his heart.”
 How he converted to Islam:
o 6th Year of Prophethood, 33 years of age at that time
o The Prophet had recently made a special prayer to Allah,
“O Allah! Strengthen Islam with Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA) or Abu Al Hakm
(Abu Jahl).”
o Umar (RA) was going to kill the Prophet (pbuh) when on the way he was told that
his own sister, Fatima binte Al-Khattab and her husband Saeed bin Zaid (RA) had
accepted Islam, both were learning verses of Surah Taha when Umar (RA)
banged on the door
o beat up his sister and brother in law till they started bleeding
o felt regretful very soon, took a bath upon his sister’s instructions, read the verses
o went to the Prophet (pbuh) and said Kalima Shahadah
o there were jubilant shouts of “Allahu Akbar” in Dar-e-Arqam at that moment
 After Umar’s conversion, Islam was greatly strengthened. Umar (RA) would frequently
pray openly in front of the Kaaba and encourage others to do so as well.
 Muslims were able to pray openly near the Kaaba for the first time ever, as everyone
feared Umar (RA)
 Umar’s (RA) daughter Hazrat Hafsa (RA) was the wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
 While all Muslims migrated to Madina secretly, fearful of their lives, Umar (RA) made a
bold migration announcing near the Kaaba,
“I am now migrating to Madina. Whoever wants his mother to cry for him can try to
come and stop me.”
 Always stood by the Prophet (pbuh) as his advisor, supporter, defender and protector
 Many times Quran verses would be revealed soon after Umar (RA) had suggested
something similar about that issue. e.g. Umar (RA) used to say to the Prophet (pbuh),
“Let your wives be veiled." Soon the verses of Hijab were revealed.
 The Prophet (pbuh) said about him,
“If there were a prophet after me, it would have been Umar (RA).”
 Participated in all battles, all major events (Bait-e-Ridwan, conquest of Makkah etc.)
with the Prophet (pbuh)
 Could not comprehend the wisdom behind the Treaty of Hudaibiyah at that time, felt it
extremely humiliating for Muslims, protested to the Prophet (pbuh). However, later he
always regretted his attitude at the Treaty of Hudaibiyah
 Brought half of all his property at the time of Battle of Tabuk
 always ready to kill traitors and big enemies of Islam
 Reaction of Umar (RA) at the death of the Prophet (pbuh):
o holding a sword in his hand outside the Prophet’s (pbuh) house, he said:
“I will slay anyone who says that the Prophet (pbuh) has died.”
o (He had actually misinterpreted a verse of Quran that the Prophet (pbuh) would
not die before his Companions.)
o When he heard Abu Bakr (RA) recite the verses of Quran, the sword fell from
hands, he felt so weak in his knees that he sat down on the ground helplessly
 Conclusion

Blessed Companion: Uthman Bin Affan (RA)

Points to be Discussed:

 Background: Belonged to the Ummayad tribe; a branch of Quraish

 Well known for his soft nature, kindness, humility & modesty
 Wealthy businessman in Makkah, was able to read & write
 How He Accepted Islam: Heard a call in the middle of the night in the desert when he
was travelling to Syria: "Beware sleepers, for Ahmad has come forth to your land” ; went
to Abu Bakr (RA) along with Talhah bin Ubaidullah (RA) and told him the entire incident;
Abu Bakr (RA) took them both to the Prophet (PBUH) where they accepted Islam
 Was tortured by his uncle after accepting Islam; his uncle used to roll him in a carpet
and set it alight from below
  Uthman (RA) was married to Ruqayyah (RA), the Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter. Both
migrated to Abyssinia in 5th year of Hijrah
 It is said that Uthman and Ruqayyah made a unique pair, as Uthman was the most
beautiful person amongst the men, whereas Ruqayya was the most beautiful amongst
the women
 Could not participate in the Battle of Badr due to Hazrat Ruqayyah’s illness. Hazrat
Ruqayyah (RA) passed away during the Battle of Badr.
 Hazrat Uthman (RA) then married the Prophet’s other daughter, Hazrat Umm Kulthum.
For being married to the 2 daughters of the Prophet he was given the title of “Dhul-
Qarnain” meaning ‘the possessor of 2 lights.’
 Umm Kulthum too passed away a few years later. The Prophet noted Uthman’s grief on
his face and said:
“If I had a third daughter, surely, I would have given her in marriage to you.” 
 Helped in strengthening of the Muslim Army at the expedition of Tabuk by giving gold
coins, horses and camels, which earned him the great respect of the Holy Prophet ‫ﷺ‬,
Wwho said:
“From this day on nothing will harm Uthman regardless of what he does.”
 Bought a well named “bi’r-i-Rumah” from a Madinan Jew for 20,000 Dirhams and made
it free for use for Muslims of Madina, who had no water to drink at that time
 Paid for the extension of Masjid of the Prophet in Madina
 Was famously known as “Ghani” for his generosity and charity
 He was greatly respected for his kind nature among the Makkans, as he used to help the
poor and remove their troubles
 Role of messenger in Treaty of Hudaibiyah; was sent to speak to the Quraish who
offered him permission to perform Umrah but he said,
“I cannot make Tawaf before the Prophet (PBUH) of Allah.”

The Companions took the Pledge of Ridwan upon hearing that he had been martyred. The
Quran says about the Pledge of Ridwan,

“Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muhammad] - they are actually pledging
allegiance to Allah………”(Al-Fath-10)

 Escorted the Prophet’s wives along with Abdur Rahman bin Awf at the Farewell
Pilgrimage
 The Prophet is reported to have said about him,
“For every messenger, there was a constant companion and my companion in Paradise will
be Uthman (RA).”
  Uthman (RA) was famous for his modesty and shyness. One day the Prophet (PBUH) was
reclining in his house with his lower part of leg bared. Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA)
asked to enter and when they did, the Prophet (PBUH) remained in that position. They
conversed with each other, and then Uthman (RA) asked to enter. Immediately Allah’s
Messenger (PBUH) sat upright, and covered himself. The Prophet (PBUH) and Uthman
(RA) conversed. When he left, Aisha (RA) asked ‘O Messenger of Allah! When Abu Bakr
and Umar entered, you did not sit upright for them. But when Uthman entered, you sat
upright and covered yourself??’ The Prophet (saw) answered,
‘Should I not be shy in front of the man even the angels feel shy of?’… (Muslim)

 was brutally murdered by rebels when he was a caliph

 (conclusion summing up all his famous qualities)

Blessed Companion: Ali Bin Abi Talib (RA)

Points to be Discussed:

 Background: Son of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle

 Prophet (PBUH) brought him to his place to relieve financial burden of his uncle
 Early convert – accepted Islam at age of 10 years, first among children to accept Islam
 The only person to respond to the Messenger’s (PBUH) invitation to Islam when the
Prophet invited his Hashimite family members to Islam at a dinner. He said,
“Oh Prophet (PBUH), I will be your helper in this mission.”

The people had laughed at him

 Slept in Prophet’s (PBUH) bed at the time of migration and returned valuables which
people had left with the Prophet (PBUH)
 Was made brother of the Prophet (PBUH) himself at Muwakhat (the bonding of Ansars
with Muhajireen). Ali (RA) questioned the Prophet (PBUH) “Who will be my brother?”
The Prophet (PBUH) had said to him,
“You are my brother in this world and in the Hereafter.”

 The Prophet (PBUH) said about him

“I am the city of Knowledge and Ali (RA) is its gate.’

 The Prophet (PBUH) said

“The most learned in legal matters is Ali.”

 Married to the Prophet’s (PBUH) youngest daughter – Fatima

  an exceptionally brave and fierce warrior, showed great valour in all battles, known as
“Asadullah” for his bravery meaning ‘the Lion of Allah’
 Carried Muslim banner at Battle of Badr
 Carried Muslim Banner at Battle of Uhud after original bearer was killed
 Formed defensive ring around the Prophet (PBUH) at Uhud
 Single-handedly combatted an enemy at Trench
 When the Muslims were unable to conquer a particular fort of the Jews for many days in
the Battle of Khyber, the Prophet said,
“Tomorrow I will give the flag to a person who loves Allah & His Messenger and Allah and His
Messenger (PBUH) love him.”

The next day he told Ali (RA) to take the flag.(Hazrat Ali(RA) had an eye infection…). He fought
with the famous warrior Marhab, known to have the strength of a 1000 warriors and Ali (RA)
was able to kill him

 Scribe of the treaty of Hudaibiyah, tolerated the misbehavior of Suhail bin Amr with
immense patience for the sake of the Prophet’s command
 One of the Scribes of Quran
 Was appointed as a deputy in Madina during the Tabuk expedition; the Jews mocked
him that the Prophet wanted to get rid of him. Ali (RA) ran behind the army, requested
the Prophet (PBUH) to take him too. The Prophet (PBUH) said to him,
“You are to me as Haroon (AS) was to Musa (AS) except that there is no prophet after
me.”

 The Prophet (PBUH), out of love, gave him the name of “Abu Turab” which means
“Father of the dust”
 Took the message of the freshly revealed verses in the Hajj of 9 A.H
 Participated in the washing and shrouding of the body of the Prophet (PBUH) at his
death