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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shiite Apologetics Question Seventeen How do Shiites regard the ? Answer: The Shiites believe that those who had the honor of meeting the Prophet and the privilege of being his companions are divided into several groups. Before going into details, it would be appropriate to see what is meant by Companion.

According to Sa`id ibn al-Musayyab, a Companion is one who was with the Prophet for a couple of years and fought at his side in one or two battles.[1] According to Waqidi, The scholars believe that whoever met the Prophet and accepted Islam, pondered on the issue of religion and accepted it, is among the Prophets , even if he met the Prophet just for one hour.[2] According to Muhammad ibn Isma`il al-Bukhari, Any Muslim who associated with the Prophet or met him, is considered the Prophets Companion.[3] [1] Usd al-Ghabah, vol.

1, p. 11-12. [2] Ibid, p. 11-12. [3] Ibid. Ahmad ibn Hanbal says, Any one who associated with the Prophet for a month, a day or even an hour, or (even) saw him is among his companions.[1] Sunni scholars believe that anyone who associated with the Prophet is just; this is a categorical principle to them.[2] We shall now proceed to discuss the Shiites viewpoint, sprung from the doctrine of Revelation and the enlightening verses of the Quran.

History has recorded the names of more than twelve thousand people as the of the Prophet (a.s). There were various personalities among the companions. No doubt, being the Prophets company was a great honor for a group whom the Muslim nation always respects, because they were the pioneers of Islam, the ones who erected the flag of Islamic glory for the first time.

The holy Quran praises the pioneer standard-bearers and declares: Not equal among you are those who spent (freely) and fought before the victory, (with those who did so later). They are higher in rank than those who spent (freely) and fought afterwards. (57:10). Nevertheless, it has to be admitted that the Prophets companionship was not an elixir to have metamorphosed peoples nature, insured them all for the rest of their lives and put them among the just.

To clarify the matter and settle the issue, it is worth appealing to the Divine Book, the Qur'an, which is accepted by all Muslims. [1] Ibid. [2] Al-Istiab fi Asma' al-Ashab, vol. 1, p. 2; Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 1, p. 3 quoting Ibn al-Athir.