TRUE COMPANIONSHIP

TRUE COMPANIONSHIP This very process of reflection used to continue in the company of the Prophet. People would listen to his words and absorb them in a way that stirred their minds. In this way, a continuous process of reflection would occur within them, morning and evening. The companionship of the Prophet was a means to this reflective process, and for that reason, it came to be called the companionship of the Prophet. However, simply listening to the Prophet’s words was not enough. His words only helped those who were receptive, who listened attentively, and could accept what was said without psychological barriers. This quality of receptivity was fully present in sincere believers, so they gained benefit from the Prophet’s companionship. The hypocrites lacked this receptivity, so they did not benefit from being in his company, despite sitting with him. The common definition of a Companion is: “Whoever saw the Prophet in a state of faith and died in that state is a Companion.” This definition is incomplete. In reality, to understand the meaning of companionship, one must look at how it was practically expressed during the Prophet’s time. It was not the case that the Prophet sat silently while the Companions, after accepting faith, also sat quietly, just gazing at him. His companionship was always full of reflection and thought. In Quranic terms, it was a gathering in which wisdom was taught.