Love for the Companions and Purity of Hearts

Tafsir of Sheikh Abd al-Rahman al-Saadi

Sheikh as-Saadi writes: “This prayer unites the entire Muslim ummah from the first Companions to the last person. Purity of the heart from rancor toward believers is the main condition of salvation.”

Tafsir of Imam Ibn Kathir

Ibn Kathir quotes the words of Imam Malik: “Whoever reviles or hates the Companions of the Prophet has no share in the spoils and inheritance of this ummah, for Allah praised those who ask forgiveness for them.”

Tafsir al-Baghawi

“…And those who came after them…” that is, the Followers; these are those who will come after the Muhājirūn and the Anṣār on the Day of Resurrection. Then Allah, Exalted is He, mentioned that they will supplicate for themselves and for those who preceded them in faith and forgiveness. Allah, Exalted is He, said:

“…they say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers (in faith) who preceded us in Faith! And do not place in our hearts rancor…’” rancor, envy, and hatred

“…(toward) those who believe. Our Lord! Indeed, You are Compassionate, Merciful!’…”

Anyone who has hatred in his heart for even one of the Companions and does not ask for mercy for all the Companions is outside the number of those whom Allah mentioned in this verse. For Allah divided the believers into three categories: the Muhājirūn, the Anṣār, and those who followed them, who are described in the manner Allah mentioned. Whoever is not one of the Followers with these qualities is outside the categories of the believers.

Ibn Abī Laylā said: The people (in this verse) are divided into three categories: the Muhājirūn; those who settled in the abode and in the Faith; and those who came after them. Therefore, strive not to be among those who are not included in these three categories.

It is narrated from ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: “You have been commanded to ask forgiveness for the Companions of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), but you revile them. I heard your Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: ‘This community will not perish so long as its later members do not curse its earlier members.’” (Ibn Abī Shaybah)

Mālik ibn Mighwal said that ʿĀmir ibn Sharāḥīl al-Shaʿbī said: “O Mālik, in one matter the Jews and Christians are superior to the Rāfiḍites. If you ask the Jews, ‘Who are the best members of your faith?’ they will answer, ‘The Companions of Mūsā (peace be upon him).’ And if you ask the Christians, ‘Who are the best members of your faith?’

they will answer, ‘The Apostles (the first followers) of ʿĪsā (peace be upon him).’ But if you ask the Rāfiḍites, ‘Who are the worst members of your faith?’ they answer, ‘The Companions of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).’ They have been commanded to ask forgiveness for them, yet they revile them.

A naked sword is raised against them until the Day of Judgment. No banner will be raised over them, their footing will not be made firm, and they will not come to a united word. Whenever they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it by shedding their blood, sowing discord among them, and refuting their arguments. May Allah protect us and you from passions that lead astray.”

Mālik ibn Anas said: “Whoever harbors enmity toward any of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), or keeps malice toward them in his heart, has no right to the Muslims’ war spoils.” Then he recited the verses, beginning with the verse: “…And whatever Allah has granted His Messenger as spoils from the inhabitants of the towns (without your having to drive horses or camels for it)…” (Sūrat al-Ḥashr, verse 7), and continuing up to this verse.