Justice Of The Companions Of The Prophet (s) - Revision history

Translation at 13:00, 23 March 2025

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Translation at 06:58, 14 March 2025

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	== References ==		== References ==
	{{footnotes\|۲}}		{{footnotes\|۲}}
			{{text end}}

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Arguments of the Opponents

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	===In the Qur'an===		===In the Qur'an===
	~~### The View of Some Sunni Scholars on the Justice of All Companions~~

	Some Sunni scholars claim that all the companions of the Prophet (s) were just and free from any wrongdoing. However, they have overlooked several Quranic verses that criticize the actions of some companions:		Some Sunni scholars claim that all the companions of the Prophet (s) were just and free from any wrongdoing. However, they have overlooked several Quranic verses that criticize the actions of some companions:

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	* In Surah Al-Imran, verse 161, Allah defends the Prophet (s) against accusations of betrayal made by some companions:		* In Surah Al-Imran, verse 161, Allah defends the Prophet (s) against accusations of betrayal made by some companions:
	{{Quran\|وَ مَا کَانَ لِنَبِیٍّ أَنْ یَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَنْ یَغْلُلْ یَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ\|Translation=It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully. And whoever betrays will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection.}}		{{Quran\|وَ مَا کَانَ لِنَبِیٍّ أَنْ یَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَنْ یَغْلُلْ یَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ\|Translation=It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully. And whoever betrays will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection.}}

	~~### Classification of Companions in the Quran~~

	Based on the Quran, the companions of the Prophet (s) can be divided into five categories:		Based on the Quran, the companions of the Prophet (s) can be divided into five categories:
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	All these five groups are considered companions of the Prophet (s) according to Sunni belief.		All these five groups are considered companions of the Prophet (s) according to Sunni belief.

	~~---~~

	## The Implementation of Islamic Punishments on Some Companions		===The Implementation of Islamic Punishments on Some Companions===

	The claim of the absolute justice of all companions is further challenged by the fact that some of them were punished during the Prophet's time and afterward:		The claim of the absolute justice of all companions is further challenged by the fact that some of them were punished during the Prophet's time and afterward:

	~~* ~~Nu'ayman**, a companion, drank alcohol, and the Prophet (s) ordered that he be beaten with shoes and sticks. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 13, Hadith No. 67775</ref>		* Nu'ayman, a companion, drank alcohol, and the Prophet (s) ordered that he be beaten with shoes and sticks. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 13, Hadith No. 67775</ref>
	* A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam committed adultery, and the Prophet (s) ordered him to be stoned. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 22, Hadith No. 67775</ref>		* A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam committed adultery, and the Prophet (s) ordered him to be stoned. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 22, Hadith No. 67775</ref>
	* In the incident of Ifk (the slander against Aisha), the Prophet (s) ordered the punishment of some companions for false accusations (qadhf). <ref>Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, Vol. 23, Page 128</ref>		* In the incident of Ifk (the slander against Aisha), the Prophet (s) ordered the punishment of some companions for false accusations (qadhf). <ref>Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, Vol. 23, Page 128</ref>
	* After the Prophet's death, Abd al-Rahman ibn Umar (son of Caliph Umar) and Uqba ibn Harith were punished for drinking alcohol. Caliph Umar even ordered a second round of punishment on his son. <ref>Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 8, Page 313</ref>		* After the Prophet's death, **Abd al-Rahman ibn Umar (son of Caliph Umar) and Uqba ibn Harith were punished for drinking alcohol. Caliph Umar even ordered a second round of punishment on his son. <ref>Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 8, Page 313</ref>
	~~* ~~Walid ibn Uqba**, a companion, drank alcohol and led the morning prayer while drunk, mistakenly praying four rak'ahs instead of two. He was later punished for drinking. <ref>Sahih Muslim, Vol. 5, Page 126, Hadith No. 1707</ref>		* Walid ibn Uqba, a companion, drank alcohol and led the morning prayer while drunk, mistakenly praying four rak'ahs instead of two. He was later punished for drinking. <ref>Sahih Muslim, Vol. 5, Page 126, Hadith No. 1707</ref>

	~~---~~

	## Hadiths from Sunni Sources That Reject the Justice of All Companions		===Hadiths from Sunni Sources That Reject the Justice of All Companions===

	The most authentic Sunni books contain narrations that contradict the belief in the justice of all companions:		The most authentic Sunni books contain narrations that contradict the belief in the justice of all companions:
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	* Umm Salama, the wife of the Prophet (s), said:		* Umm Salama, the wife of the Prophet (s), said:
	_"I heard the Prophet (s) say: Some of my companions will never see me after death."_ <ref>Adhwa' ala al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah, Page 345</ref>		_"I heard the Prophet (s) say: Some of my companions will never see me after death."_ <ref>Adhwa' ala al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah, Page 345</ref>

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{footnotes\|۲}}		{{footnotes\|۲}}

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Qur'an

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	Verses that praise the Ummah of the Prophet (s), such as:		Verses that praise the Ummah of the Prophet (s), such as:
	* {{Quran\|You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind.\|Surah=Al-Imran\|Ayah=110}}		* {{Quran\|You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind.\|Surah=Al-Imran\|Ayah=110}}
	* {{~~Qur'an~~\|Thus We have made you a just nation so that you may be witnesses over the people.\|Surah=Baqara\|Ayah=143}}		* {{Quran\|Thus We have made you a just nation so that you may be witnesses over the people.\|Surah=Baqara\|Ayah=143}}
	* Some Sunni interpretations consider "just nation" as evidence for the justice of the Companions.		* Some Sunni interpretations consider "just nation" as evidence for the justice of the Companions.

Translation: /* Qur'an */

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Qur'an

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	Verses that praise the Ummah of the Prophet (s), such as:		Verses that praise the Ummah of the Prophet (s), such as:
	* {{~~Qur'an~~\|You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind.\|Surah=Al-Imran\|Ayah=110}}		* {{Quran\|You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind.\|Surah=Al-Imran\|Ayah=110}}
	* {{Qur'an\|Thus We have made you a just nation so that you may be witnesses over the people.\|Surah=Baqara\|Ayah=143}}		* {{Qur'an\|Thus We have made you a just nation so that you may be witnesses over the people.\|Surah=Baqara\|Ayah=143}}
	* Some Sunni interpretations consider "just nation" as evidence for the justice of the Companions.		* Some Sunni interpretations consider "just nation" as evidence for the justice of the Companions.

	Verses that negate punishment for the Prophet’s Companions:		Verses that negate punishment for the Prophet’s Companions:
	* {{~~Qur'an~~\|The day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believe with him.\|Surah=Tahrim\|Ayah=8}}		* {{Quran\|The day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believe with him.\|Surah=Tahrim\|Ayah=8}}

	Verses indicating divine satisfaction with the Companions:		Verses indicating divine satisfaction with the Companions:
	* {{~~Qur'an~~\|And the foremost [in faith] of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them with goodness – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.\|Surah=Tawba\|Ayah=100}}		* {{Quran\|And the foremost [in faith] of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them with goodness – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.\|Surah=Tawba\|Ayah=100}}
	* {{~~Qur'an~~\|Certainly, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree.\|Surah=Fath\|Ayah=18}}		* {{Quran\|Certainly, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree.\|Surah=Fath\|Ayah=18}}

	=== Hadiths ===		=== Hadiths ===

Translation: Created page with "{{text start}} {{question}} What is the theory of the justice of the Companions of the Prophet (s), and were all the Companions just without exception? {{question end}} {{Answer}} The Companions of the Prophet (s) are considered just according to Ahl al-Sunnah. Proponents of the theory of the justice of the Companions cite Qur'anic verses, such as those describing them as the best nation, God's satisfaction with the Companions, and the removal of punishment f..."

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Created page with "{{text start}} {{question}} What is the theory of the justice of the Companions of the Prophet (s), and were all the Companions just without exception? {{question end}} {{Answer}} The Companions of the Prophet (s) are considered just according to Ahl al-Sunnah. Proponents of the theory of the justice of the Companions cite Qur'anic verses, such as those describing them as the best nation, God's satisfaction with the Companions, and the removal of punishment f..."

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{{text start}}
{{question}}
What is the theory of the justice of the Companions of the Prophet (s), and were all the Companions just without exception? {{question end}}
{{Answer}}
[[The Companions of the Prophet (s)]] are considered just according to [[Ahl al-Sunnah]]. Proponents of the theory of the justice of the Companions cite Qur'anic verses, such as those describing them as the best nation, God's satisfaction with the Companions, and the removal of punishment from them. Additionally, some narrations from Ahl al-Sunnah praising the Companions are also used as evidence. However, opponents of this theory, while acknowledging the righteousness of some of the Prophet's true Companions, argue that some of them committed actions contrary to justice, which are mentioned in the Qur'an, such as committing sins, hypocrisy, accusations against the [[Prophet (s)]], and having diseased hearts. Some narrations from Ahl al-Sunnah also mention the implementation of legal punishments against certain Companions and their condemnation to Hell.

== Meaning of Sahaba ==
{{Main|Sahaba}}
The term [[sahaba]] (literally meaning the companions) has been defined differently by scholars of [[Ahl al-Sunnah]], with three major definitions:

* [[Ahmad b. Hanbal]] states that anyone who accompanied the [[Prophet (s)]] and saw him for a year, a month, a day, or even a moment is considered one of the Prophet's Companions.<ref>Abu Ali Farra al-Hanbali, al-Udda fi Usul al-Fiqh, vol. 3, p. 988, quoted in ''Shi'ashinasi:pasukh bi shubahat'' by Ali Asghar Ridwani, vol. 1, p. 319.</ref>
* [[Bukhari]] defines a Companion as any Muslim who has accompanied or met the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Shihab al-Din, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 7, p. 3, Dar al-Ma'arifah, Beirut, second edition.</ref>
* [[Sa'id b. al-Musayyib]] considers only those who were with the Prophet (s) for at least one or two years and participated in one or two [[Ghazwa]]s with him as his Companions.<ref>Same reference.</ref>

== Dispute over the Justice of the Companions ==
There are two differing opinions on the justice of the Companions:

Most of [[Ahl al-Sunnah]] believe that all Companions were righteous, truthful, pious, and just. Thus, any narration from the [[Prophet (s)]] transmitted by them is deemed authentic and acceptable. They argue that any misdeeds attributed to them should be justified and overlooked.

Ahl al-Sunnah not only consider being a Companion an honor but also believe that it inherently guarantees justice. Some prominent Sunni scholars have gone to extremes in praising the Companions and condemning their critics. For example:

1. Criticism of the Companions is equated with apostasy and disbelief: Those who criticize any of the Prophet's Companions are heretics and disbelievers.<ref>Ya'qub, Ahmad Hussein, Research on the Justice of the Companions, translated by Mohammad Qazi Zadeh, Dar al-Thaqalayn Publications, first edition, 1997, p. 34, quoting Al-Isaba by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, pp. 17-18.</ref>
2. Social exclusion of critics of the Companions: If anyone finds fault with or criticizes the Companions, do not eat or drink with them, and do not perform [[prayer]] over their funeral.<ref>Ya'qub, Ahmad Hussein, Research on the Justice of the Companions, translated by Mohammad Qazi Zadeh, Dar al-Thaqalayn Publications, first edition, 1997, p. 34, quoting Al-Kaba'ir by Al-Dhahabi, p. 238.</ref>

According to this belief, all Companions are just, their words are correct, and their actions are right, even if they contradict the [[Qur'an]] and [[Sunnah]], as they are considered [[Mujtahids]] who had a better understanding of the Sunnah.

The [[Shia]] Imamiyya, however, believe that among the [[Companions respected by the Shia]], there were many noble, self-sacrificing, pure, and pious individuals, but there were also hypocrites and unrighteous people, from whom both the Qur'an and the Prophet (s) distanced themselves. Merely being a Companion is not a virtue that should excuse unjust actions.

== Arguments of the Proponents ==
[[Ahl al-Sunnah]] rely on certain Qur'anic verses and narrations to support the justice of the Companions.

=== Qur'an ===
Verses in the Qur'an that praise the Companions and the Prophet's (s) followers can be categorized as follows:

Verses that praise the Ummah of the Prophet (s), such as:
* {{Qur'an|You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind.|Surah=Al-Imran|Ayah=110}}
* {{Qur'an|Thus We have made you a just nation so that you may be witnesses over the people.|Surah=Baqara|Ayah=143}}
* Some Sunni interpretations consider "just nation" as evidence for the justice of the Companions.

Verses that negate punishment for the Prophet’s Companions:
* {{Qur'an|The day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believe with him.|Surah=Tahrim|Ayah=8}}

Verses indicating divine satisfaction with the Companions:
* {{Qur'an|And the foremost [in faith] of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them with goodness – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.|Surah=Tawba|Ayah=100}}
* {{Qur'an|Certainly, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree.|Surah=Fath|Ayah=18}}

=== Hadiths ===
Ahl al-Sunnah cite several hadiths in favor of the Companions' justice:

* The Prophet (s) said: "The best of people are those of my generation…"<ref>Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, vol. 3, p. 151.</ref>
* The Prophet (s) said: "Do not revile my Companions. If any of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, it would not amount to even a handful or half a handful of what they gave."<ref>Sahih Bukhari, vol. 4, p. 159.</ref>
* Another narration states: "If you see people criticizing my Companions, say: May God’s curse be upon your worst ones."<ref>Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, vol. 5, p. 359.</ref>

== Arguments of the Opponents ==
Opponents of the universal justice of the Companions argue that none of the cited verses or hadiths explicitly state that all the Companions were just. Moreover, other Qur'anic verses and hadiths from Sunni sources indicate that some Companions engaged in acts contrary to justice, such as sin, hypocrisy, and slander.

===In the Qur'an===
### The View of Some Sunni Scholars on the Justice of All Companions

Some Sunni scholars claim that all the companions of the Prophet (s) were just and free from any wrongdoing. However, they have overlooked several Quranic verses that criticize the actions of some companions:

* {{Quran|إِنَّ الَّذِینَ تَوَلَّوْا مِنْکُمْ یَوْمَ الْتَقَی الْجَمْعَانِ إِنَّمَا اسْتَزَلَّهُمُ الشَّیْطَانُ بِبَعْضِ مَا کَسَبُوا ۖ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ|Translation=Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud], it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some of what they had earned. But Allah has pardoned them.|Surah=Al-Imran|Verse=155}}

This verse indicates that during the Battle of Uhud, a large number of the Prophet's companions fled from the battlefield. Allah attributes their escape to the influence of Satan due to their past sins. Although Allah forgave them, His forgiveness implies they had committed a sin.

* {{Quran|یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَکُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَیَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِیبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَیٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِینَ|Translation=O you who have believed, if a wicked person comes to you with information, investigate it, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become regretful for what you have done.|Surah=Al-Hujurat|Verse=6}}

According to the interpretation of Sunni scholars, this verse was revealed regarding **Walid ibn Uqba**, who was a companion and was explicitly labeled as a **fasiq (sinner)**.

* In **Surah At-Tawbah**, verse 58, Allah mentions that some companions objected to the Prophet's division of alms:
{{Quran|وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ یَلْمِزُکَ فِی الصَّدَقَاتِ فَإِنْ أُعْطُوا مِنْهَا رَضُوا وَإِنْ لَمْ یُعْطَوْا مِنْهَا إِذَا هُمْ یَسْخَطُونَ|Translation=And among them are those who criticize you concerning the distribution of alms. If they are given some of it, they are pleased; but if they are not given any, they become enraged.}}

* In **Surah Al-Ahzab**, verse 12, a group of hypocrites and weak-hearted companions accused the Prophet (s) of deception:
{{Quran|وَإِذْ یَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِینَ فِی قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ مَا وَعَدَنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا|Translation=And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said, "Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion."}}

* In **Surah Al-Imran**, verse 161, Allah defends the Prophet (s) against accusations of betrayal made by some companions:
{{Quran|وَ مَا کَانَ لِنَبِیٍّ أَنْ یَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَنْ یَغْلُلْ یَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ|Translation=It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully. And whoever betrays will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection.}}

### Classification of Companions in the Quran

Based on the Quran, the companions of the Prophet (s) can be divided into **five categories**:
1. Those whom Allah is pleased with. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 100</ref>
2. Believers who committed sins but later repented. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 102</ref>
3. The **fasiq (sinners)**. <ref>Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 6</ref>
4. Those who outwardly accepted Islam but had no faith in their hearts. <ref>Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 14</ref>
5. The hypocrites. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 101</ref>

All these five groups are considered companions of the Prophet (s) according to Sunni belief.

---

## **The Implementation of Islamic Punishments on Some Companions**

The claim of the absolute justice of all companions is further challenged by the fact that some of them were punished during the Prophet's time and afterward:

* **Nu'ayman**, a companion, drank alcohol, and the Prophet (s) ordered that he be beaten with shoes and sticks. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 13, Hadith No. 67775</ref>
* A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam committed **adultery**, and the Prophet (s) ordered him to be stoned. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 22, Hadith No. 67775</ref>
* In the **incident of Ifk (the slander against Aisha)**, the Prophet (s) ordered the punishment of **some companions for false accusations (qadhf)**. <ref>Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, Vol. 23, Page 128</ref>
* After the Prophet's death, **Abd al-Rahman ibn Umar (son of Caliph Umar)** and **Uqba ibn Harith** were punished for drinking alcohol. Caliph Umar even ordered a second round of punishment on his son. <ref>Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 8, Page 313</ref>
* **Walid ibn Uqba**, a companion, drank alcohol and led the morning prayer while drunk, mistakenly praying four rak'ahs instead of two. He was later punished for drinking. <ref>Sahih Muslim, Vol. 5, Page 126, Hadith No. 1707</ref>

---

## **Hadiths from Sunni Sources That Reject the Justice of All Companions**

The most authentic Sunni books contain narrations that contradict the belief in the justice of all companions:

* The Prophet (s) said:
_"On the Day of Judgment, a group of my companions will approach me, but they will be driven away from the Pond of Kawthar. I will say, 'O Lord, these are my companions!' It will be said to me, 'You do not know what they did after you; they turned back and apostatized.'"_<ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Page 208</ref>

* The Prophet (s) said:
_"Some of my companions will be taken to Hell. I will say, 'O Lord, these are my companions!' It will be said, 'You do not know that they turned back and continuously apostatized after you.'"_<ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Page 208</ref>

* Umm Salama, the wife of the Prophet (s), said:
_"I heard the Prophet (s) say: Some of my companions will never see me after death."_ <ref>Adhwa' ala al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah, Page 345</ref>
== References ==
{{footnotes|۲}}

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	* [[Ahmad b. Hanbal]] states that anyone who accompanied the [[Prophet (s)]] and saw him for a year, a month, a day, or even a moment is considered one of the Prophet's Companions.<ref>Abu Ali Farra al-Hanbali, al-Udda fi Usul al-Fiqh, vol. 3, p. 988, quoted in ''Shi'ashinasi:pasukh bi shubahat'' by Ali Asghar Ridwani, vol. 1, p. 319.</ref>		* [[Ahmad b. Hanbal]] states that anyone who accompanied the [[Prophet (s)]] and saw him for a year, a month, a day, or even a moment is considered one of the Prophet's Companions.<ref>Abu Ali Farra al-Hanbali, al-Udda fi Usul al-Fiqh, vol. 3, p. 988, quoted in ''Shi'ashinasi:pasukh bi shubahat'' by Ali Asghar Ridwani, vol. 1, p. 319.</ref>
	* [[Bukhari]] defines a Companion as any Muslim who has accompanied or met the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Shihab al-Din, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 7, p. 3, Dar al-Ma'~~arifah~~, Beirut, second edition.</ref>		* [[Bukhari]] defines a Companion as any Muslim who has accompanied or met the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Shihab al-Din, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 7, p. 3, Dar al-Ma'rifah, Beirut, second edition.</ref>
	* [[Sa'id b. al-Musayyib]] considers only those who were with the Prophet (s) for at least one or two years and participated in one or two [[Ghazwa]]s with him as his Companions.<ref>Same reference.</ref>		* [[Sa'id b. al-Musayyib]] considers only those who were with the Prophet (s) for at least one or two years and participated in one or two [[Ghazwa]]s with him as his Companions.<ref>Same reference.</ref>

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	2. Social exclusion of critics of the Companions: If anyone finds fault with or criticizes the Companions, do not eat or drink with them, and do not perform [[prayer]] over their funeral.<ref>Ya'qub, Ahmad Hussein, Research on the Justice of the Companions, translated by Mohammad Qazi Zadeh, Dar al-Thaqalayn Publications, first edition, 1997, p. 34, quoting Al-Kaba'ir by Al-Dhahabi, p. 238.</ref>		2. Social exclusion of critics of the Companions: If anyone finds fault with or criticizes the Companions, do not eat or drink with them, and do not perform [[prayer]] over their funeral.<ref>Ya'qub, Ahmad Hussein, Research on the Justice of the Companions, translated by Mohammad Qazi Zadeh, Dar al-Thaqalayn Publications, first edition, 1997, p. 34, quoting Al-Kaba'ir by Al-Dhahabi, p. 238.</ref>

	According to this belief, all Companions are just, their words are correct, and their ~~actions~~ are right, even if they contradict the [[Qur'an]] and [[Sunnah]], as they are considered [[~~Mujtahids~~]] who had a better understanding of the Sunnah.		According to this belief, all Companions are just, their words are correct, and their deeds are right, even if they contradict the [[Qur'an]] and [[Sunnah]], as they are considered [[Mujtahid]]s who had a better understanding of the Sunnah.

	The [[~~Shia~~]] Imamiyya, however, believe that ~~among the [[Companions respected by the Shia]],~~ there were many noble, self-sacrificing, pure, and pious individuals, but there were also hypocrites and unrighteous people, from whom both the Qur'an and the Prophet (s) distanced themselves. Merely being a Companion is not a virtue that should excuse unjust actions.		The [[Shi'a]] Imamiyya, however, believe that there were many noble, self-sacrificing, pure, and pious individuals among sahaba, but there were also hypocrites and unrighteous people, from whom both the Qur'an and the Prophet (s) distanced themselves. Merely being a Companion is not a virtue that should excuse unjust actions.

	== Arguments of the Proponents ==		== Arguments of the Proponents ==
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	Ahl al-Sunnah cite several hadiths in favor of the Companions' justice:		Ahl al-Sunnah cite several hadiths in favor of the Companions' justice:

	* The Prophet (s) said: "The best of people are those of my ~~generation…~~"<ref>Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, vol. 3, p. 151.</ref>		* The Prophet (s) said: "The best of people are those of my age…"<ref>Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, vol. 3, p. 151.</ref>
	* The Prophet (s) said: "Do not revile my Companions. If any of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, it would not amount to even a handful or half a handful of what they gave."<ref>Sahih Bukhari, vol. 4, p. 159.</ref>		* The Prophet (s) said: "Do not revile my Companions. If any of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, it would not amount to even a handful or half a handful of what they gave."<ref>Sahih Bukhari, vol. 4, p. 159.</ref>
	* Another narration states: "If you see people criticizing my Companions, say: May God’s curse be upon your worst ones."<ref>Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, vol. 5, p. 359.</ref>		* Another narration states: "If you see people criticizing my Companions, say: May God’s curse be upon your worst ones."<ref>Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, vol. 5, p. 359.</ref>
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	* {{Quran\|یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَکُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَیَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِیبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَیٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِینَ\|Translation=O you who have believed, if a wicked person comes to you with information, investigate it, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become regretful for what you have done.\|Surah=Al-Hujurat\|Verse=6}}		* {{Quran\|یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَکُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَیَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِیبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَیٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِینَ\|Translation=O you who have believed, if a wicked person comes to you with information, investigate it, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become regretful for what you have done.\|Surah=Al-Hujurat\|Verse=6}}

	According to the interpretation of Sunni scholars, this verse was revealed regarding Walid ~~ibn~~ Uqba, who was a companion and was explicitly labeled as a fasiq (sinner).		According to the interpretation of Sunni scholars, this verse was revealed regarding [[Walid b. 'Uqba]], who was a companion and was explicitly labeled as a [[fasiq]] (sinner).

	* In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 58, Allah mentions that some companions objected to the Prophet's division of alms:		* In [[Surah At-Tawbah]], verse 58, Allah mentions that some companions objected to the Prophet's division of alms:
	{{Quran\|وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ یَلْمِزُکَ فِی الصَّدَقَاتِ فَإِنْ أُعْطُوا مِنْهَا رَضُوا وَإِنْ لَمْ یُعْطَوْا مِنْهَا إِذَا هُمْ یَسْخَطُونَ\|Translation=And among them are those who criticize you concerning the distribution of alms. If they are given some of it, they are pleased; but if they are not given any, they become enraged.}}		{{Quran\|وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ یَلْمِزُکَ فِی الصَّدَقَاتِ فَإِنْ أُعْطُوا مِنْهَا رَضُوا وَإِنْ لَمْ یُعْطَوْا مِنْهَا إِذَا هُمْ یَسْخَطُونَ\|Translation=And among them are those who criticize you concerning the distribution of alms. If they are given some of it, they are pleased; but if they are not given any, they become enraged.}}

	* In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 12, a group of hypocrites and weak-hearted companions accused the Prophet (s) of deception:		* In [[Surah Al-Ahzab]], verse 12, a group of hypocrites and weak-hearted companions accused the Prophet (s) of deception:
	{{Quran\|وَإِذْ یَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِینَ فِی قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ مَا وَعَدَنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا\|Translation=And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said, "Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion."}}		{{Quran\|وَإِذْ یَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِینَ فِی قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ مَا وَعَدَنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا\|Translation=And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said, "Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion."}}

	* In Surah Al-Imran, verse 161, Allah defends the Prophet (s) against accusations of betrayal made by some companions:		* In [[Surah Al 'Imran]], verse 161, Allah defends the Prophet (s) against accusations of betrayal made by some companions:
	{{Quran\|وَ مَا کَانَ لِنَبِیٍّ أَنْ یَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَنْ یَغْلُلْ یَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ\|Translation=It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully. And whoever betrays will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection.}}		{{Quran\|وَ مَا کَانَ لِنَبِیٍّ أَنْ یَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَنْ یَغْلُلْ یَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ\|Translation=It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully. And whoever betrays will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection.}}

	Based on the Quran, the companions of the Prophet (s) can be divided into five categories:		Based on the Quran, the companions of the Prophet (s) can be divided into five categories:
	1. Those whom Allah is pleased with. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 100</ref>		1. Those whom Allah is pleased with. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 100</ref>
	2. Believers who committed sins but later repented. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 102</ref>		2. Believers who committed sins but later repented. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 102</ref>
	3. The fasiq (sinners). <ref>Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 6</ref>		3. The fasiq (sinners). <ref>Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 6</ref>
	4. Those who outwardly accepted Islam but had no faith in their hearts. <ref>Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 14</ref>		4. Those who outwardly accepted Islam but had no faith in their hearts. <ref>Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 14</ref>
	5. The hypocrites. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 101</ref>		5. The hypocrites. <ref>Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 101</ref>
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	===The Implementation of Islamic Punishments on Some Companions===		===The Implementation of Islamic Punishments on Some Companions===

	The claim of the absolute justice of all companions is further challenged by the fact that some of them were punished during the Prophet's time and afterward:		The claim of the absolute justice of all companions is further challenged by the fact that some of them were punished during the Prophet's time and afterward:

	* Nu'ayman, a companion, drank alcohol, and the Prophet (s) ordered that he be beaten with shoes and sticks. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 13, Hadith No. 67775</ref>		* Nu'ayman, a companion, drank alcohol, and the Prophet (s) ordered that he be beaten with shoes and sticks. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 13, Hadith No. 67775</ref>
	* A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam committed adultery, and the Prophet (s) ordered him to be stoned. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 22, Hadith No. 67775</ref>		* A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam committed [[adultery]] ([[zina al-muhsana]]), and the Prophet (s) ordered him to be stoned. <ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Page 22, Hadith No. 67775</ref>
	* In the incident of Ifk (the slander against Aisha), the Prophet (s) ordered the punishment of some companions for false accusations (qadhf). <ref>Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, Vol. 23, Page 128</ref>		* In the [[incident of Ifk]] (the slander against [[Aisha]]), the Prophet (s) ordered the punishment of some companions for false accusations ([[qadhf]]). <ref>Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, Vol. 23, Page 128</ref>
	* After the Prophet's death, **Abd al-Rahman ~~ibn~~ Umar (son of Caliph ~~Umar~~) and Uqba ~~ibn~~ Harith were punished for drinking alcohol. Caliph Umar even ordered a second round of punishment on his son. <ref>Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 8, Page 313</ref>		* After the Prophet's death, [[Abd al-Rahman b. Umar]] (son of the second Caliph) and Uqba b. Harith were punished for drinking alcohol. Caliph Umar even ordered a second round of punishment on his son. <ref>Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 8, Page 313</ref>
	* Walid ~~ibn~~ Uqba, a companion, drank alcohol and led the morning prayer while drunk, mistakenly praying four rak'ahs instead of two. He was later punished for drinking. <ref>Sahih Muslim, Vol. 5, Page 126, Hadith No. 1707</ref>		* Walid b. Uqba, a companion, drank alcohol and led the morning prayer while drunk, mistakenly praying four rak'ahs instead of two. He was later punished for drinking. <ref>Sahih Muslim, Vol. 5, Page 126, Hadith No. 1707</ref>

	===Hadiths from Sunni Sources That Reject the Justice of All Companions===		===Hadiths from Sunni Sources That Reject the Justice of All Companions===

	The most authentic Sunni books contain narrations that contradict the belief in the justice of all companions:		The most authentic Sunni books contain narrations that contradict the belief in the justice of all companions:

	* The Prophet (s) said:		* The Prophet (s) said: "On the Day of Judgment, a group of my companions will approach me, but they will be driven away from the [[Pond of Kawthar]]. I will say, 'O Lord, these are my companions!' It will be said to me, 'You do not know what they did after you; they turned back and apostatized.'"_<ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Page 208</ref>
	_"On the Day of Judgment, a group of my companions will approach me, but they will be driven away from the Pond of Kawthar. I will say, 'O Lord, these are my companions!' It will be said to me, 'You do not know what they did after you; they turned back and apostatized.'"_<ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Page 208</ref>

	* The Prophet (s) said:		* The Prophet (s) said: "Some of my companions will be taken to Hell. I will say, 'O Lord, these are my companions!' It will be said, 'You do not know that they turned back and continuously apostatized after you.'"<ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Page 208</ref>
	_"Some of my companions will be taken to Hell. I will say, 'O Lord, these are my companions!' It will be said, 'You do not know that they turned back and continuously apostatized after you.'"_<ref>Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Page 208</ref>

	* Umm Salama, the wife of the Prophet (s), said:		* [[Umm Salama]], the wife of the Prophet (s), said: "I heard the Prophet (s) say: Some of my companions will never see me after death." <ref>Adhwa' ala al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah, Page 345</ref>
	_"I heard the Prophet (s) say: Some of my companions will never see me after death."_ <ref>Adhwa' ala al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah, Page 345</ref>

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{footnotes\|۲}}		{{footnotes\|۲}}
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