The Opinions of the Companions and Rightly Guided Caliphs as Sharia Evidence (1/3)

The scholars in the field of principles of Islamic jurisprudence discussed the views of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and said that there are different views as to whether the opinion of a Companion is binding and may be used as evidence. Ibn al-Qayyim stated that there was consensus among the four imams that it may be used as evidence.

The Companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) especially the most prominent among them, were distinguished by their deep understanding and knowledge, as Ibn Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said. They were the most sincere at heart, the deepest in knowledge, the most straightforward, the best in guidance and the most dignified of this Ummah. They are the people whom Allah chose to accompany His Prophet and establish His religion, so we should acknowledge their virtue and follow in their footsteps, for they were on the right path. The relevant point here is his saying that they were the deepest in knowledge of this Ummah and had the most understanding. Comparing the knowledge of those who came after them to their knowledge is like comparing the virtue of the two groups. Since that is so clear that there is no need to prove it, we will point out the main means by which Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) enabled them to attain this position:

1. Learning directly from the Prophet (Peace be upon him)

This had an effect on their understanding in a number of ways:

a. Purity of the source from which they learnt

Because they learned directly from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) they were learning the revelation fresh, as it was revealed, and they heard the words of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) directly from him. Their knowledge was not contaminated with anything; rather it was pure Qur'an and Snnnah that was not mixed with people's opinions or the other elements of knowledge that appeared after the Muslims opened the doors to them later on, such as philosophy and the like.

b. Precise understanding

Their understanding was precise because their teacher was the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), the most eloquent and clear in speech and the most able to explain and teach. Imagine when that was combined with listening ears, comprehending minds and good nature, as well as a desire to seek the truth and eagerness to hear it. Undoubtedly that made them understand what was said to them precisely and in accordance with what Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) wanted. This matter is very clear, because the people during their lifetimes, and seekers of knowledge when they are pursuing that knowledge, look for the best of scholars and those who are most able to explain different issues. How many students have become prominent in their fields of knowledge by the grace of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and by virtue of the effective teaching of their instructors? We know that no one can ever reach the level of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in his superior way of teaching, or even reach one-tenth of that. This was the testimony of Mu’awiyah ibn al-Hakam (may Allah be pleased with him) when he spoke of how great a teacher the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was: "May my father and mother be sacrificed for him. I never saw a teacher before him or after him who was better in teaching than him.”

c. The certainty of faith that they attained with regard to what they heard and understood

Their knowledge was based on certainty, whereas the knowledge of those who came after them was often subject to speculation.

d. They were able to know the reasons for Revelation and background to any hadith

They had knowledge of what abrogates and what is abrogated, which helped them to understand the meanings.

e. They had the opportunity to witness the actions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him)

The Sunnah explained his words and clarified the verses of the Qur'an, and by means of his actions, he demonstrated what was meant.

f. Possibility of asking about anything that was not clear to them

When they did so, they were able to get an answer.

2. Their natural understanding of the Arabic language

They understood the verses of the Qur'an and the hadiths of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) by virtue of their natural understanding of the language. They knew the particular meaning of what was said; they did not need to study grammar and principles of Islamic law, as later generations did.

(Continued)