The Companions of the Prophet

sacred heroes—forgers of their national identity. Few will resist faith when there is so much added incentive to believe. With a contemporary prophet, however, the situation is quite different. His prophethood is still a controversial issue. A cloak of doubt surrounds his mission. To believe in him, one has to see through outward appearances. To follow him, one has to bury all thoughts of oneself. Doubt prevails over the truth of his mission. His prophethood has not yet received the verification of history. Under such conditions, believing in a prophet and actively participating in his mission is challenging. But it was this, no less, that the Companions could do: believe in a prophet of their day as if he were a prophet of ancient times. During the Battle of the Trench (A.H. 5), Madinah was besieged by the Quraysh and all of the Arab clans who had entered into an alliance with them. The siege intensified until it became impossible for the Muslims to obtain even the necessities of life. At this time, one of the Muslims said in desperation: “Muhammad used to promise us that the treasures of Khusrau and Caesar would be ours, and now here we are—unable even to relieve ourselves in peace.” When this battle took place, the Prophet’s promise was just that—a promise; it was nowhere near fulfilment, although now it is a matter of ancient history. The Companions, nevertheless, acknowledged the Prophet’s greatness before his promises had become history. Those who recognise his greatness today do so after fulfilling his promises after