Character of the Sahabah

By Aniqa Yasser

Of the most notable Sahabah, there are Abu Bakr (RA), Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA), Khadija (RA), Umar ibn Khattab (RA), and many more. Their legacies remain today as the leaders of Islam, leaders of spreading Islam, loyal companions to the Prophet (ﷺ), steadfast followers of Allah (SWT), and followers of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) various sunnahs. Their characters exemplify how a true believer of Allah (SWT) should be. We can learn from their spirituality and connection with Allah (SWT) by analyzing their characters.

To begin, there is a certain mentality and spirituality one has to achieve when trying to become close to Allah (SWT). We have to achieve Iman in our hearts, so that Allah (SWT) can bring us closer to him. These Sahabah were steadfast believers, so we can learn from their iman and trust in Allah (SWT).

Firstly, the way a true believer views haram things in life is important. Everyone knows that Allah (SWT) has set certain boundaries and rules, as well as made some things haram, to test us. Abstaining oneself from haram things is the start of faith. Unfortunately, temptations and peer pressure have become so much more apparent in today’s world with the internet and social media. It has truly become a challenge to stay away from such desires. The character of the true believer has taught us the way we should view haram things. A true believer would be truly disgusted by haram things like Al-Ishyan (disobedience to Allah (SWT)), Al Fusuk (corruption), and Al Kufr (disbelief/rejection). When we see something haram, we shouldn’t have to convince ourselves to stay away from it because it is forbidden. A true believer would believe that they have been sent by Allah (SWT) to rid the world of these haram things.

Furthermore, that’s when you have acquired Iman; you are no longer tempted by the evils of this world. Iman has become of utmost importance to you because Allah (SWT) loves those with Iman. Those haram things have become hated by you and those who do it as well. When you reach Iman, you are beautified by Allah (SWT). Nothing tempts you anymore, instead it is made disgusting and ugly to you. Allah (SWT) has put that love of Iman in your heart and love for all things halal. He has put that hate of haram in your heart and that is the mercy of Allah (SWT). This is the character of the Sahabah, they hated disobedience to Allah (SWT) and they loved being obedient to Allah (SWT).

Moreover, the difference between today’s Muslims and the Sahabah was their mentality. The Sahabah wanted to know how they can make Allah (SWT) happy and how they could make it to Paradise. Today’s Muslims are more worried about what Allah (SWT) can do for them, rather than what they can do for Allah (SWT). They are more worried about their lives in this world, while the Sahabah were worried about how to have a good life in the Akhira (next world). We have to take this worldly love out of our hearts and replace it with the love of Allah (SWT). After we are no longer in this world, how much money we had, how big our house was, and how many degrees we had would not matter. All that would matter was our Iman, our biggest strength and savior from the Hellfire. So, we need to stop asking questions like: Is this haram? Can I do that? But what if…? And start asking questions like: How can I make Allah (SWT) happy? Have I truly done enough in this world? How can I be a role model of Islam?

To conclude, we all need to stop worrying about this world and start worrying about the next. The Sahabah’s main focus was making it to Paradise and making Allah (SWT) happy. This Iman, this love for Allah (SWT), this hate for the haram is what makes their characters so strong and admirable. Insha Allah, we will all take the love of this world out of our hearts and have many chances to make Allah (SWT) happy. May Allah (SWT) grant us all the opportunity to purify our souls and intentions as well as our iman. May Allah (SWT) always keep us on the right path and continue to give us guidance.

Sources:

FreeQuranEducation. “Character of the Sahabah.” Youtube, uploaded by FreeQuranEducation, youtube.com/watch?v=K7vSmiCppDo