The Companions of the Prophet

THE COMPANIONS OF THE PROPHET have prevented them from doing so. Even during the Prophet’s lifetime, they had taken Islam to the borders of the Arabian Peninsula. After his demise, they continued to act as if at his behest. Blind to all thoughts of self— aggrandisement, they dispersed in the neighbouring lands. Their homes were just like small schools, in which they imparted to people knowledge of the Arabic language, the Quran, and the Prophet’s Sunnah. In this way, they passed on what they had heard from the Prophet. This was a time of great Islamic conquests, and a particular portion of the Muslim community had to shoulder the political responsibilities of an expanding empire. The Companions might have been expected to take their share in the political glory, but they showed no inclination for such things. Instead, most of them used the atmosphere created by the conquests of Islam to further their preaching mission. It was their and their disciples’ steady, unobtrusive efforts that created—within fifty years—the vast expanse of the territory now known as the Arab world. They changed the religion of people spread over three continents and brought them a new language and culture. Being Content to Remain in Obscurity The first matter that had to be settled after the Prophet’s death was the election of a Caliph. The Ansar put forward their candidate—Saad ibn ‘Ubadah. When the Muhajirs learnt of Ansar’s proposal, they hurried to the Thaqifah