After reciting the Tashahud, Ta’awuz, Tasmiyah and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^(aa) stated:

While mentioning the sacrifices of the companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa), their status and the favours which Allah the Exalted bestowed upon them, the Promised Messiah^(as), said on one occasion:

“Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) sacrificed all of his belongings in the way of god the exalted and sufficed only on a blanket himself. However, what did Allah the exalted grant him in exchange? He made him the king of the whole of Arabia. Likewise, he revived Islam once again at his hands, and won the hearts of the apostates of Arabia. He then bestowed upon him those blessings, the likes of which could never have been imagined. In short, the honesty, purity, loyalty, sincerity and kindness of these people is an example for every Muslim. The life of the Companions^(ra) was such that an example cannot be produced the likes thereof in the case of any other prophet. In essence, until man does not come to the threshold of god the exalted, abandoning one’s personal desires and goals, one cannot achieve anything. Rather they cause harm to themselves. However, once they abandon all their selfish desires and aims, and come to the threshold of god the exalted, empty-handed and with pure hearts, then Allah grants them and supports them. However, the condition is that man should become ready to die and endure all forms of humiliation and even death. Look, this world is mortal”, meaning no person will live forever. “however, those who abandon it,” i.e. worldly pursuits, “for the sake of god, earn its pleasure. For this reason, god almighty makes his beloved ones admired and accepted in this world. It is the same popularity, for which the worldly people undertake thousands of efforts so that they may be granted a certain title or an honourable position or a seat at a court or a similar place, or that they may be counted among those who hold a certain rank. In short, all the worldly honours are bestowed upon them. Every heart is infused with the respect and acceptance of those who are prepared to abandon everything for the sake of Allah the exalted. Not only do they become prepared to do so, but they indeed put this into practice. To sum up, those who abandon everything for the sake of god the exalted are bestowed everything.”

On a different occasion, the Promised Messiah^(as) said the following words whilst sitting in a gathering,

“One who loses a little for a worldly government, he is rewarded for it.”

In one’s day to day worldly affairs, we see that if an individual gives them something or performs a service for them, they are rewarded for it. The Promised Messiah^(as) says,

“One, who loses for the sake of god, would he then not be rewarded?”

He further states,

“Such people do not die until they have received their reward from God Almighty manifold, as compared to what they sacrificed in his way. God the exalted does not remain indebted to anyone. However, it is unfortunate that there are only a few who believe in these things and few who comprehend the reality behind them.” (Malfuzat, vol. 5, pp. 398-399 with footnote, UK 1985)

The remarkable examples of those, who exhibited such honesty and purity, sincerity and love leaves one marvelled. The spiritual power of the Holy Prophet^(sa) channelled their desires. At first, they were inclined towards something else, which he then turned towards something completely different; from the worldly pursuits to the Divine. Moreover, the standard of their love and inclinations reached their zenith. They reached such heights, the likes of which were not found previously in the world.

Observe how eloquently the Promised Messiah^(as) has presented the example of their excellences and magnificence. He stated that the standard of their love and sacrifice is not found even in the lives of previous prophets. Furthermore, as far as the followers of [those previous] prophets are concerned, their grandeur and state was extremely inferior in comparison to that of the Companions [of the Holy Prophet^(sa)]. The Companions were absolutely pure from all of their personal desires. They purified their hearts, devoted themselves to God and lived their lives merely for the sake of acquiring the pleasure of God the Exalted. Furthermore, when this state is created, God the Exalted also showers His blessings and He does so without any boundaries and we witness these aspects in the lives of the companions. I will present the incidents of some companions as to how they devoted themselves to God the Exalted and what examples they demonstrated.

Hazrat Abbad^(ra) bin Bashar was a companion from among the Ansar[native Muslims of Medina]. He was martyred in at the young age of approximately forty-five. (Usdul Ghabah Fi Ma’rtifatil-Sahabah, Vol. 3, Abbad bin Bashar p. 46, Darul Fikr, Beirut 2003) (Al-Asabah Fi Tamiz Al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, p. 496, Darul Kutub Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut 2005)

Narrating an incident in relation to his worship and the recitation of the Holy Quran, Hazrat ‘Aisha^(ra) says:

“One night, the Holy Prophet^sa woke up for the tahajjud prayer [predawn supererogatory prayer] and heard the Holy Quran being recited in the mosque.”

The Holy Prophet^(sa) used to wake up very early hours for the Tahajjud prayer.

“The Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘is this the voice of Abbad?’ Hazrat Aisha replied: ‘it seems to be his voice.’ upon this, the Holy Prophet^sa prayed for him saying: ‘O Allah! Have mercy on Abbad.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Shahadat, bab Shahadatul a‘ma, hadith 2655)

How fortunate were those who spent their nights in worship and recitation of the Holy Quran, which resulted in them becoming the immediate recipients of the payers of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Furthermore, they awoke at night, beseeching Allah the Exalted for His pleasure and mercy.

Due to one of his dreams, Hazrat Abbad^(ra) was certain that he would attain the status of martyrdom. Hazrat Abu Sa’id Khudri^(ra) relates:

“Hazrat Abbad once said to me ‘I saw in a dream that the sky has been rent asunder and that I entered it, after which it closed again and returned to its original form.’”

Due to this dream he would say that he was certain that Allah the Exalted would grant him the status of martyrdom. This dream of his was fulfilled during the Battle of Yamama. He was martyred whilst fighting with great courage. Nevertheless, his army, which comprised of all the Ansar, defeated the opponents he was fighting against. Although he was martyred, the enemy was defeated. Hazrat Abu Sa’id says that following the battle, his face was unrecognisable due to the sword wounds to his face. His body was only recognised by a certain mark on his body. (Al-Tabqat Al-Kubra Li-ibn-e-Sa‘d, Vol. 4, p. 31, Nafis Academy Karachi)

Then, history informs us about another companion by the name of Haram^(ra) bin Malhan. This youth was at the forefront of teaching the Holy Quran to the youth and others, as well as serving the Ashab-e-Sufa [companions who dwelt in mosques].

A delegation from Bani ‘Amir requested the Holy Prophet^sa to send them some people in order to preach to them [the message of Islam] so that they could also become familiar with Islam and so that their people could enter the fold of Islam. Their intentions in requesting this were malicious. As these people were not trustworthy, the Holy Prophet^(sa) said that he feared that they would harm the convoy he was to send. Upon this, their leader, who had not yet accepted Islam, listened to his [the Holy Prophet’s^(sa)] words and said, “I take responsibility of this and everyone will be under my protection.” Subsequently, the Holy Prophet^(sa) sent a delegation to Bani ‘Amir. Haram^(ra) bin Malhan was appointed the leader.

When the delegation reached its destination, Hazrat Haram^(ra) bin Malhan became suspicious of their intentions. It was evident, even from a distance, that their intentions were not right. Hence, he said to his companions, “We should take some precautionary measures; everyone should not gather here together.” The reason for this was that if they ambushed all of them, they could cause them harm in a single instance. “Therefore, you should all stay here and I will go with one person [to them]. If they treat us appropriately, you can come as well. However, if they cause us harm then you may decide, according to the circumstances, whatever they may be, whether to return, fight them or to remain there. When Haram^(ra) bin Malhan and his companion approached the people, the leader of Bani ‘Amir indicated to a person, who attacked Haram^(ra) bin Malhan from behind with a spear. A fountain of blood gushed forth from his neck. He rubbed his blood on his hands and said, “By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have succeeded. By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have succeeded.”

After this, the other companion was also martyred, following which they attacked the remaining seventy people and martyred all of them, save one or two. As they were being brutally killed, after having been deceived, they prayed, “O Allah! Accept these sacrifices of ours and inform the Holy Prophet^(sa) of this state of ours, as we have no means to do so.” Hence, Hazrat Gabriel conveyed to the Holy Prophet^(sa) the Salam [salutation of peace] of the companionsand informed him of their situation and the martyrdoms. The Holy Prophet^(sa) informed his companions that all of them had been martyred.

As I mentioned, there were seventy companions. The Holy Prophet^(sa) was greatly grieved by their martyrdoms. He prayed against those tribes for thirty days saying, “May Allah Himself seize and punish those who are guilty of this brutality.” The Holy Prophet^(sa) declared those deaths to be extremely magnificent martyrdoms. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Ghazwatur-Raji’, Hadith 4091) (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Imarah, Bab Thabut Al-Jannah Lish-Shaheed, Hadith 4917) (Tarikh Al-Khamees, Vol. 1, p. 452, Beirut) (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 4, p. 355, Hadith 12429, Musnad Anas bin Malik, Alam-ul-Kutub Beirut 1998)

Mentioning the love, affection and magnificent sacrifices for the sake of religion, the Promised Messiah^(as) states,

“Love is something that enables a person to do anything. A person who falls in love with another, what do they not do for the sake of their beloved?”

He then goes on to narrate the state of worldly people by saying:

“A woman fell in love with someone. She was dragged around, inflicting all sorts of pain upon her and beating her. However, she would say ‘this pleases me’. If pleasure can be attained in tolerating difficulties and hardships for false [worldly] love, which manifests itself in the form of rebellion and wickedness,” as is the state of worldly people; the Promised Messiah^(as) says, “what great pleasure will a person, who is an ardent lover of God the Exalted and who desires to submit himself at the divine threshold, acquire during difficulties and hardships?”

The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Observe the state of the esteemed companions, may Allah be pleased with them all. What atrocities were meted out to them in Mecca? Some of them were captured, tortured and punished in various forms. Men were certainly made a target of this. However, some Muslim women were [also] tortured in such a manner, the mere thought of which makes the body shudder and tremble. If they had joined the people of Mecca, they would seemingly have been treated with great respect because they were part of the same tribe. However, what enabled them to remain firmly established upon the truth even during the storm of difficulties and hardships? It was that very fountain of happiness and delight, which gushed forth from their chests due to the love for truth.”

Whilst narrating another incident as an example, the Promised Messiah^(as) states,

“It is narrated about a companion whose hands were severed, that when this happened, the companion said, ‘I perform the ablution’. Eventually his head was decapitated, and he passed away saying ‘I prostrate [before Allah]’. At the time of his death he prayed, ‘O Allah! Inform the Holy Prophet^(sa) of my situation.’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) was in Medina at the time. The angel Gabriel offered his greetings of peace to the Prophet^(sa). The Prophet^sa responded ‘peace be upon you’ and was notified about the incident.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) says,

“Hence, after obtaining the pleasure of being in the company of God the Exalted, one readily accepts being trampled to death like an insect.”

Just like the companion who stated: “I have attained the Lord of the Ka’bah,” meaning that he had reached the highest point of love.

He says,

“The most excruciating afflictions are made easy for a believer to experience. The truth is, it is a sign of a true believer that they are ever ready to be slain. Similarly, if a person is asked to convert to Christianity or prepare to be killed, then at that time they should seek what their conscience tells them to do, whether they will accept death or prefer converting to Christianity. If they give preference to being put to death, then they are true believers, otherwise they are infidels. Hence, those believers who experience such hardships also experience a form of hidden delight. Just think about this, if there was no delight in experiencing such trials, then how can the prophets (on whom be peace) go through such hardships for such a long time?” (Malfuzat, vol. 2, pp. 308-309, UK 1985)

The examples about the Companions^(ra) that have been mentioned here show that the spiritual power of the Prophet^(sa) had infused such a spirit in them that even on the brink of death they would readily profess: “We swear by the Lord of the Ka’bah that we have succeeded; We have attained God.”

However, these people would perform virtues. When they were wronged, they would offer sacrifices as a response instead of transgressing, like some groups of this day and age who say that they shall enter paradise after being martyred. The Companions^(ra)were not such. Rather, they were the type of people who fought against cruelty. They were not those who spread transgression.

It has been mentioned about, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) bin Amr, a companion from among the Ansar, that leaving for the Battle of Uhud, he said: “I will be the first one to achieve martyrdom.” Perhaps he had seen a dream or Allah the Almighty had informed him. He said to his son, “Take care of your sisters after my demise.” He had daughters. He also said, “And I have taken a loan from a Jew. Pay him back from my date gardens when you receive the earnings.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Janaiz, Hadith 1351) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Manaqib, Bab Alamat Al-Nubuwah, Hadith 3580) (Umdatul Qari, Commentary Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, p. 244, Hadith 1351, Beirut 2003)

Such was the level of their love for Allah, taqwa, chastity and standard of offering due rights. Going to war, they would not worry for their lives, rather they were least concerned about it. Instead, it delighted them to know that they would be blessed with martyrdom before others. He had no fear about his young daughters in that he had to fulfill their rights, instead he had faith in Allah and after putting his trust in Him, he advised his son that he would now be the head of the household and that he should fulfill all obligations and care for his sisters.

Then there is the concern about paying off the loan that he had taken from a Jew. [He said,] “I do not expect that you should pay this off from your own pocket. Rather, it will be paid off from the profit gained from our date gardens.”

“I am not putting any financial burden on you. I am simply informing you about this obligation. I am informing you about an integral Islamic commandment, which is to pay off debts. You will inherit my property only after paying off this debt. This is the first thing that has to be implemented.”

Whilst stating how Allah Almighty blessed the martyrdom and sacrifice of Hazrat Abdullah^(ra), it is narrated that when the Holy Prophet^(sa) saw the condition of Hazrat Abdullah’s son, he expressed his condolences and said,

“I shall share something to cheer you up.” He said, “after your father’s martyrdom, Allah the Almighty made your father sit in front of him and said, ‘i will grant whatever you ask from me.’ Hazrat Abdullah responded: ‘O my lord! I was unable to fulfill my due obligations. How can I ask more from you?’”

He held high standards of sacrifices and worship, yet his response was that he had not fulfilled his obligations in performing rights of others. “I do not have the words to express my wishes. It is all due to your mercy and grace.” Then he stated, “since you have asked, my lord, my only desire is that you make me go back to the world so I can fight the enemy alongside your Messenger^(sa) and I return to you once again as a martyr.” Allah the Almighty responded, “I have decreed that those who pass away once are not returned to the world again.” (majma’ al-zawaid, vol. 9, p. 389, hadith 15756, kitabul manaqib, bab fi abdillah ibn ‘amr, beirut 2001)

So, although the desire could not be fulfilled, he would inevitably get the status of a martyr regardless.

Similarly, regarding the passion to offer sacrifice and martyrdom of Hazrat Amr^(ra) bin Jamuh, it is stated that he would walk with a limp due to a pain in his foot. He was in a lot of discomfort. His sons did not let him partake in the Battle of Badr due to his disability. When the disbelievers marched to fight in the Battle of Uhud he said to his sons: “You can do whatever you like but I will not listen to you and I will most definitely take part in this battle.” Therefore, he met the Holy Prophet^(sa) and requested, “My sons keep me from partaking in the battle due to my impaired foot. However, I would like to join you in this Jihad.” He further stated, “By God, I wish that Allah the Almighty fulfills what my heart desires and grants me martyrdom. I will enter Paradise despite my impaired foot.”

The Holy Prophet^sa said: “Jihad is not obligatory for you, due to your disability. However, if this is your wish, then you may join.” And the Holy Prophet^(sa) instructed his sons to let their father take part in the battle. Therefore, Hazrat Amr took part in the battle and prayed continuously: “O Allah! grant me martyrdom and do not make me return to my house unsuccessful in this task.” His desire was surely fulfilled and he was martyred in the battlefield of Uhud. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 7, pp. 688-689, Al Mizan Nashiran wa Tajiran Lahore)

Hence, they had advanced in faith and conviction.

Take the example of any companion^(ra). They were every ready to offer their lives sincerely and loyally.

Hazrat Abu Talha^(ra) was a companion from among the Ansar and was famed for his archery. He displayed great skill of archery during the Battle of Uhud. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Manaqib, Bab Manaqib Abi Talha Ansari, Hadith 3811) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab “Idh Hammat Ta-ifatani, Hadith 4064)

The Holy Prophet^(sa) would say, “Lay arrows in front of Abu Talha” as he would use arrows quickly and would hit the intended targets. He also had the opportunity to shield the Holy Prophet^(sa) during the Battle of Uhud. Hazrat Talha^(ra) covered the Holy Prophet’s^(sa) face with his hand. This was the Ansari companion Abu Talha. He was blessed with the opportunity to stand in front of the Holy Prophet^(sa)and demonstrate bravery and courage. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Manaqib, Bab Manaqib Abi Talha Ansari, Hadith 3811)

He would prefer to stand in the most dangerous locations during the battle without any kind of fear or trepidation, so that he could fight the enemies of Islam who sought to annihilate it and in order to establish peace and security in the world.

As I mentioned, they did not take part in wars in order to commit cruelties, rather when the enemy attacked they did not simply show cowardice, but instead showed the quality of courage and valour. They spent all their faculties in order to attain the pleasure of God Almighty.

The Promised Messiah^(as) states, “Whatever has been decreed by God is always destined to take place, and in relation to this the material means is of no significance. God Almighty states that whoso strives in His cause, will find

مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيْرًا

‘An abundant place of refuge.’ (Surah Al-Nisa: V. 101)

One who acts with pure intentions, God Almighty is with him, in fact even if one is ill, God Almighty alleviates it.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states,

“Look at the example of the Companions^(ra); their example is like that of all the prophets. Actions please God Almighty. [the companions] offered their lives to be sacrificed like goats. Their example is similar to the prophets, as has been their practise since Adam^(as).”

There has been a practice, a way of the prophets since Adam^(as) as is evident from the history of religions. The Promised Messiah^(as)further continues,

“However, the companions demonstrated this in a most lustrous manner.” They did not just reveal its importance in terms of imparting its knowledge but illumined it by practically demonstrating it as well and showed that “this is true sincerity and loyalty.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states,

“What can be said of Jesus^(as); no one betrayed Moses^(as) but Jesus^as was betrayed by his disciples for just thirty rupees. It is evident from the Holy Quran that the disciples entertained doubt about Jesus^(as), hence demanding a heavenly feast, and said,

وَ نَعْلَمَ اَنْ قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا

[uncertainty].

then, there is no parallel to be found in the manner in which they [the Companions^(ra)] lived a life of extreme anguish. They were indeed a truly unique group of individuals, who are worthy of admiration and emulation. Their hearts were filled with complete certainty. When one is full of conviction then initially they first wish to spend their wealth, and when the desire grows, such a person is even ready to offer his life.” (Malfuzat, vol. 5, p. 42, UK 1985)

This conviction was ever-increasing in them, due to the spiritual power of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Even the day-to-day dealings of the Companions^(ra) were filled with such wondrous examples of their love for the Holy Prophet^(sa). They would always be in search for an opportunity whereby they could express their love for the Holy Prophet^(sa).

Regarding Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) bin Amr, it is said that even during normal days he would be searching for the opportunity where he could express his love and loyalty for the Holy Prophet^(sa). It is mentioned in one of the narrations that once he sent a home-cooked sweet dish through his son, Hazrat Jabir^(ra). When his son returned, he enquired whether the Holy Prophet^(sa) had said anything. Hazrat Jabir^(ra) replied that the Holy Prophet^(sa) had said, “Jabir, have you bought meat?” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr replied, “My master wishes for meat,” and then immediately went and slaughtered one of his goats. He sent the cooked meat to Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) prayed for his entire family for this gesture. (Al Jami’ Li Sha’bil Iman, Vol. 8, pp. 62-63, Hadith 5503, Riyadh 2003)

The Companions^(ra) also experienced many difficulties in preaching to their close relatives. At times, difficulties arose if the son had accepted Islam whilst the father had not, or if a man or woman accepted Islam but were weaker in comparison to their more stronger relatives and they would cause them difficulty or express their displeasure.

Hazrat Amr bin Jamuh’s son performed the Bai’at [pledge of initiation] before him. His father was a mushrik [idolater] and when he had exhausted all means in his efforts to preach to him, his son threw his father’s idol, which he had adorned in his house, in a pit of waste. Amr bin Jamuh searched for the idol and brought it back home, furiously saying, “If I find out who is responsible for this, I will punish them severely.” The next day his son did the exact same thing with the idol and his father found it again in a pit. Eventually, his father cleaned and adorned the idol  again and then placed his sword next to it saying, “I do not know who is committing these acts against you, but I am now placing this sword next to you, so that now you can protect yourself.”

The following day, he saw that the idol had vanished. When he set out to find it, he discovered that it was tied around the neck of a dead dog, lying in a pile of rubbish. Amr then thought to himself that the idol which he deemed to be a god, despite having a sword nearby, did not even have the strength to defend itself; how could it then defend him? He then addressed the idol and said: “If you were the True God, you would not be tied around the neck of a dog. Thus, I proclaim to the Lofty and Exalted God, the Provider and Just.” He then says, “From among the Ansar, the last person to accept Islam was Amr bin Jamuh.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 7, p. 688, Al-Mizan Nashiran Wa Tajiran Lahore)

The status and rank of the Companions^(ra) can be gauged from the love the Holy Prophet^(sa) had for his Companions^(ra). Furthermore, the bond the Companions^(ra) had with God Almighty was due to the spiritual power of the Holy Prophet^(sa). On occasions, God Almighty would bless the companions directly or through the Holy Prophet^(sa).

Hazrat Ubay^(ra) bin Ka‘b also had a special relationship with God Almighty. It is written in Bukhari that on one occasion the Holy Prophet^(sa) said to him, “God Almighty has ordered me to recite the Quran to you.” The Holy Prophet^(sa) said to his companion that God Almighty had instructed that Ubay bin Ka‘b recite the Quran to him. Hazrat Ubay bin Ka‘b asked in astonishment, “Has God Almighty mentioned me by name? Has the Lord and Master of the Universe mentioned me by name and instructed you to recite the Quran to me?” The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied: “Yes, he has mentioned you by name.” Upon hearing this Ubay bin Ka‘b became overwhelmed with emotions and began to cry. Nevertheless, the Holy Prophet^(sa) recited the Surah of “Lam Yakunilladhina Kafaru…” (Surah Al-Bayinah). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Tafsir Al-Quran, Bab “Kallaa La In-Lam Yantahi”, Hadith 4960-4961)

Sometime later, when someone asked Ubay bin Ka‘b, “On hearing this, you must surely have felt overjoyed”, he replied, “If God Almighty has stated for one to be delighted with His blessings and mercy, then why would I not be  overjoyed.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 1, p. 111, Al-Mizan Nashiran Wa Tajiran Lahore)

Hazrat Ubay bin Ka‘b was well versed in the Holy Quran. On one occasion, the Holy Prophet^(sa) asked him – and I have narrated this incident in a previous sermon, two or three weeks ago – (he asked) “Which verse of the Quran should be declared the greatest verse?” Initially he replied by saying, “God and His Messenger^(sa) know best.” When the Holy Prophet^(sa) insisted, he said “Ayatul Kursi could be declared the greatest verse.” I also related an incident regarding Ayatul Kursi. The Holy Prophet^(sa) was pleased to hear this and said, “O Ubay! May Allah bless your level of knowledge. Undoubtedly Ayatul Kursi is a great verse of the Quran.” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab Al-Witr, Bab Ma Ja’a Fi Ayatil Kursi, Hadith 1460)

In another narration, it is mentioned that the same year the Holy Prophet^sa passed away, he completed one reading of the Holy Quran with Ubay bin Ka‘b. (Kanzul Ummal, Vol. 13 p. 266, Hadith 36779, Beirut 1985)

With the permission of Hazrat Umar^(ra), [Ubay bin Ka‘b] would teach people the knowledge of the Quran as well as its exegesis. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Salat Al-Tarawih, Hadith 2010)

These were the Companions^(ra) of the Holy Prophet^(sa) who progressed to such an extent that they reached the highest rank.

The Promised Messiah^(as) says, “Since progress is gradual, the Companions also advanced gradually.” He continues by saying:

“The Holy Prophet^(sa) wished to see his companions reach the apex of progress, however this was destined at a fixed time,” meaning that it takes place gradually. “thus, the companions received [blessings], the likes of which was not witnessed before and they saw what had never been seen before.” (Malfuzat, vol. 2, p. 52, UK 1985)

Regarding the Companions^(ra) of the Holy Prophet^(sa), on one occasion the Promised Messiah^(as) said:

“If one ponders over the [lives of the] Companions^(ra) of the Holy Prophet^(sa), one finds that they were simple people. Just like a vessel becomes clean after polishing, their hearts were the same, in that they were filled with divine light and free from the filth of carnal passions. In essence, they were the true embodiments of the statement,

قَدْ اَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكّٰهَا

[He indeed truly prospers who purifies it.]” (Malfuzat, vol. 6, p. 15, UK 1985)

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states,

“The Companions^(ra) of the Holy Prophet^(sa) demonstrated such truthfulness that they shunned all forms of worship of idols and creation” which means worshipping people. Over-praising someone or begging from an individual also equates to worship.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) says,

“They not only shunned all worship of people, rather they obliterated any desire of material gains; instead they began to see god almighty. They were so perfectly absorbed in the way of God Almighty that it was as if every single one of them was Abraham^(as).” (Malfuzat, vol. 6, p. 137, UK 1985)

He further states:

“The Holy Prophet^sa was like a body and the Companions^(ra), the limbs.” (Malfuzat, vol. 6, p. 279, UK 1985)

May Allah the Almighty enable us to truly understand the status of the Companions^(ra) and whilst acting on their example, may Allah enable us to excel in loyalty and sincerity.